Senate News & Analysis

MD Senate: Steele Memo Cites Dead Heat Poll

by Stuart Rothenberg December 15, 2005 · 10:34 AM EST

The campaign of Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R) is circulating a memo to supporters that asserts that a “recent poll of 600 likely Maryland voters,” shows Steele and Representative Ben Cardin (D) deadlocked at 46%, while Steele holds a narrow 48%-44% lead over former Representative Kweisi Mfume (D) in…

Arizona Senate: Developing a Target

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 28, 2005 · 11:49 PM EDT

Down six seats in the Senate, Democratic party strategists are looking to expand the playing field in their attempt to inch closer to regaining the majority. So, after giving Sen. Jon Kyl (R) a pass six years ago, Arizona and national Democrats are setting their sights on the two-term…

Nebraska Senate: Falling from the Top Tier

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 2, 2005 · 12:24 AM EDT

Republicans are looking high and low for opportunities to expand their majority in the Senate. Sen. Ben Nelson (D) is an attractive target on paper – an incumbent Democratic senator in a state President Bush won by 33 points last November.

But races aren’t won “on paper,” and…

Montana Senate: Usual Suspect

by Nathan L. Gonzales June 17, 2005 · 1:40 AM EDT

It’s unclear whether close races follow Sen. Conrad Burns (R) or whether Burns searches for close races. Either way, the Republican senator will likely face another close race in 2006 when he seeks a fourth term.

Democrats appear to have two top-tier candidates in state Auditor John Morrison…

Vermont Senate: It All Depends on the Meaning of Independent

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 22, 2005 · 11:45 PM EDT

The announcement by Senator Jim Jeffords didn’t come as a complete surprise to some insiders. The Vermont Independent’s health has been an issue for some time, and while he had indicated his intention to seek a fourth term, many doubted that Jeffords would actually be on the ballot next…

Rhode Island Senate: Multi-Front War

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 22, 2005 · 11:40 PM EDT

Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R) of Rhode Island has a long 18 months ahead of him. First, he’s facing pressure from his caucus to stay in line on critical votes in the Senate. Second, he could face a serious primary challenge from a more conservative Republican. And third, if he…