I know, I know...it's not likely, but a brother can dream can't he?
Following up on my post from yesterday and incorporating some of the suggestions/corrections from the comments made there, let's take a look at our best case scenario in the November Senate elections.
Right now, we're at 49 Ds, 49 Rs and 2 I's. When the smoke clears on election night in November we'll be at 62 Ds, 37 Rs and 1 I.
Here's how it's going to happen....
1. Traitor Joe Lieberman becomes a Republican. Good riddance. You and your new party deserve each other you flaming douchebag.
2. No Democratic incumbents lose their seats. Landrieu-LA and Lautenberg-NJ win close races. Baucus-MT, Biden-DE, Durbin-IL, Harkin-IA, Johnson-SD, Kerry-MA, Levin-MI, Pryor-AR, Reed-RI, Rockefeller-WV are untouchable.
3. All members of the White Hood wing of the GOP win easily. Alexander-TN, Chambliss-GA, Cochran-MS, Graham-SC, Sessions-AL, Johanns-NE, Roberts-KS
4. And in other elections where Democrats go to die - Barasso-WY and Enzi-WY cruise to re-election. Speaking of cruising, let's not forget everyone's favorite toe-tapper, Larry "still not gay" Craig is retiring and will be replaced by Jim Risch. The winning margin for Risch will look like Senator Craig's "wide stance".
5. Now, here's where we make the gains. Ranked in order of probability (hi to lo)
Definitely going to win (5):Mark Begich-AK, Mark Udall-CO, Tom Udall-NM, Jeanne Shaheen-NH, Mark Warner-VA
Within reach now (3):Bruce Lunsford-KY, Jeff Merkley-OR, Ronnie Musgrove-MS
Will take some work, but can happen (3):Al Franken-MN, Tom Allen-ME, Kay Hagan-NC
Will take a near miracle (the voters waking up in TX and OK) but this is my dream so let's dump Cornyn and Inhofe too (2):
Andrew Rice-OK, Rick Noriega-TX
So there you have it my friends. Imagine the possibilities.
Talk amongst yourselves. I'm a ltl verklempt!
p.s - historical note.
2002 - 12 Ds win, 21 Rs
2004 - 14 Ds win, 19 Rs
2006 - 24 Ds win, 9 Rs