Democrats' hopes high in Senate races

[babylonsister]

Democrats' hopes high in Senate races

By CHARLES BABINGTON, Associated Press Writer 44 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - A string of political setbacks has damaged Republicans' hopes of regaining the Senate majority next year and increased the likelihood Democrats might expand their razor-thin margin.

The 2008 campaign appears increasingly unpleasant for Republicans a year after unexpected defeats cost them control. Among the factors are GOP retirements in toss-up states, voters' distress over the Iraq war and a handful of scandals.

The latest blow comes from Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, who was set to announce Monday that he would not seek a third term. He would have been favored heavily to win again. Democrats now hope that Bob Kerrey, a former governor and senator, will run and claim the seat.

Just recently, Sen. John Warner, R-Va., said he would give up his seat, which Democrats now considerable winnable.

Republicans once had higher hopes of reversing their 2006 setbacks, when they lost virtually every close contest and saw their 55-45 majority disappear. Now it is Democrats who feel energized, hoping to pad their majority that is essentially 51-49, when the voting patterns of two independent senators are considered.

more...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070909/ap_po/senate_campaigns

[bluestateguy]

1. Lieberman insurance

Get that majority up to 55, and then tell Lieberman to hit the road. Strip him of his committee chairmanship, and hold the door open for him to switch parties.

[movonne]

2. Not with our DLC dems will they kick Lieberman out...they love him..

[Totally Committed]

3. I agree.

With the DLC-ers, the war-lovers, and the other conservatives, he's golden.

Reid is spineless, too, so he's got nuthin' to worry about.

TC