May I please be the MOST optimistic?

[Truth2Tell]

So here are my uber-optimistic predictions for Democratic gains in the Senate. Just try and be more optimistic, I dare ya. And feel free to bookmark. Wagers by PM only. (kidding of course :) )

Alaska - Begich beats Stevens
Colorado - Udall beats Schaffer
Kansas - Slattery beats Roberts
Kentucky - Lunsford beats McConnell
Maine - Allen beats Collins
Minnesota - Franken beats Coleman
Mississippi - Musgrove beats Wicker
New Hampshire - Shaheen beats Sununu
New Mexico - Udall beats Pearce
North Carolina - Hagan beats Dole
Oklahoma - Rice beats Inhofe
Oregon - Markley beats Smith
Texas - Noriega beats Cornyn
Virginia - Warner beats Gilmore

Total gain: 14 seats

I realize predicting defeat for Roberts, McConnell, Inhofe AND Cornyn is a stretch. And a wet dream. But I stand by it. Just watch and see.

[ingac70]

1. having 60 seats would be awesome.

I'd love to see Lieberman kicked to the curb.

[Truth2Tell]

3. True. I wasn't counting that as a gain.

But of course it would be.

[Blue_In_AK]

2. According to a recent poll that I heard about this weekend

Begich polls at 52% while Stevens is at 47%. It's still early, but that's looking good for Mark.

[Truth2Tell]

4. That is good.

Although I just read that Stevens is out-raising Mark 12 to 1. That could be insurmountable. I'm banking on the scandal factor in that one.

[Blue_In_AK]

5. Money is not all that relevant around here.

Our governor Sarah Palin was far outspent and outraised by every one of her opponents in 2006, both in the primary and in the general, and still handily defeated everyone and currently enjoys an 80+ percent approval rating. Diane Benson raised less than $250,000 to Don Young's $3 million that year, and still gained 40% of the votes...before the investigations. While this is a big state area-wise, there are only a few real population centers, and the Begich name carries a lot of weight. I think if Mark can get out in the rural areas and convince the folks out there that the world won't come to an end if Uncle Ted isn't the one bringing home the bacon, I think he'll do fine.