Inside Elections

New Print Edition: 2008 Senate Overview

September 10, 2008 · 4:35 PM EDT

The September 10, 2008 print edition of the Rothenberg Political Report is on its way to subscribers. The print edition comes out every two weeks (even more frequently as Election Day approaches) and the content is not available online. Subscribers get in-depth analysis of the most competitive races in the country, as well as quarterly House and Senate ratings, and coverage of the gubernatorial races nationwide. To subscribe, simply click on the Google checkout button on the website or send a check.

Here is a brief sample of what's in this edition...


The last three months has seen two more Republican seats put at considerable risk, as Alaska’s Ted Stevens has to fight both an indictment and a tough Democratic challenger, and North Carolina’s Elizabeth Dole has been damaged by a barrage of Democratic attacks. The DSCC’s financial advantage has been apparent on the ground for weeks, as the Committee has launched attacks against Republican candidates across the country. The NRSC has largely stayed on the sideline, but that is now changing.

Two GOP seats now appear to be gone: Virginia and New Mexico, with Republican candidates in New Hampshire and Colorado trying to mount counterattacks. Maine’s Susan Collins continues to defy the odds and remain in good shape, while Senate races in Minnesota, Oregon and Mississippi could well determine what kind of year the two parties have.

On the Democratic side, only Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu is at risk, though Democratic strategists express doubt that she is still vulnerable. The DSCC continues to have a big financial advantage over the NRSC, giving DSCC chair Chuck Schumer plenty of flexibility about where he spends his cash. Democrats are certain to gain Senate seats in November – with 4-6 our current estimate. A gain of nine seats, which would get the party to 60 seats, is not impossible, but remains unlikely, at least at this point.

Subscribers to the print edition get the race-by-race analysis and the latest polls.