Below is a list of all of the 2006 Senate elections, with whatever relevant info there is for each. While the status of some of these races has not changed in quite a while due to no announcements or new specualtion, several have. Most importantly this week, both Giuliani and Pataki have declined to challenge Hillary, greatly increasing her chances for re-election. For more information on all of the races and daily updates, visit
http://oursenate.com
Each race is ranked from [+ + +] (Democrat) to [- - -] (Republican). Toss ups are marked by [
].
[- - -] Orrin Hatch (R-UT): This seat is Hatch's until he retires.
[- - -] Richard Lugar (R-IN): Indiana is solidly red. Democrats have no chance against Lugar.
[- - -] Craig Thomas (R-WY): Another Republican hold. Thomas is popular in this conservative state.
[- - -] Trent Lott (R-MS): Despite his removal from Senate Majority Leader, Trent Lott is very popular in Mississippi, and shouldn't have any trouble getting elected.
[- - -] Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX): Hutchison is likely going to leave the senate to run for Governor. While some Democrats hope that the right candidate could win the open seat, Texas is extremely Republican, and our chances are slim.
[- - -] Olympia Snowe (R-ME): Olympia Snowe the most popular politician in Maine and can keep this seat as long as she wants it. The rumors of Snowe possibly running for Governor are considered false. While many Democrats hope that Snowe, who is labeled a RINO by many conservatives, will switch parties or declare herself an Independent, this also seem unlikely.
[- -] George Allen (R- VA): Unless popular Governor Mark Warner jumps into this race (fairly unlikely at this point), Allen shouldn't have a problem getting reelected.
[- -] Mike Dewine (R-OH): Most Ohio Democrats are focusing on the open Governor's office in 2006, but if a strong Democrat enters the race, we might have a slim chance.
[- -] John Ensign (R-NV): Nevada was a competitive swing state in 2004, and if a strong candidate such as Representative Shelley Berkley runs against Ensign this senate seat could possibly turn from red to blue. However, most Democrats are focusing on the Governor's race instead.
[- -] Jon Kyl (R-AZ): A likely Republican hold, though Arizona State Democratic Chair Jim Pederson might have a chance.
[- -] Jim Talent (R- MO): A possible Democratic pickup if a strong candidate emerges, otherwise Talent shouldn't have too much trouble keeping his seat in Republican Missouri.
[- -] Conrad Burns (R-MT): Newly elected Governor Brian Schweitzer nearly captured this seat in 2000. With new Democratic control of both the State Senate and House, Montana seems to be trending Democratic. A possible pickup with the right candidate, such as Attorney General Mike McGrath.
[-] Lincoln Chafee (R-RI): Chafee is in a difficult position: a Republican in one of the most liberal states, and a moderate in the Republican Party. Chafee is likely to face a primary challenge from Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey. Democrats currently considering entering the race include Secretary of State Matt Brown and Representative James Langevin. Representative Patrick Kennedy has stated that he will not run.
[-] Rick Santorum (R-PA): Pennsylvania is the highest priority race for Democrats in 2006, and our best chance to pick up a seat. Current Treasurer Bob Casey Jr., and former Treasure Barbara Hafer are both considering a run. Look for this to be the spotlight race of 2006, with both sides spending tons of money.
[
] Bill Frist (R-TN): Bill Frist is retiring from the Senate due to a self imposed two term limit. Democratic Representative Harold Ford Jr. is the front runner for Democratic nomination, and if Republicans nominate a weak candidate then he may have a chance.
[+] Mark Dayton (D-MN): Dayton financed his entire 2000 campaign with his own fortune. However, he can't afford to do it again. This is going to be a close race, as Minnesota is a swing state that barely went for Kerry.
[+] Ben Nelson (D-NE): A conservative Democrat in a heavily Republican state, Nelson could have trouble if Representative Tom Osborne or another popular Republican enters the race. This seat is likely to be one of the Republican's top priorities.
[+] Bill Nelson (D-FL): Nelson is the last Democrat in statewide office. He will face a hard fight in this swing state.
[+] Debbie Stabenow (D-MI): A freshman senator, Stabenow could be vulnerable in this swing state if she is challenged by Representative Candice Miller.
[+ +] Jon Corzine (D- NJ): Corzine is running for governor of New Jersey so this seat is likely to be open. While moderate Republicans do well in New Jersey, Democrats shouldn't have a problem holding the seat.
[+ +] Herb Kohl (D-WI): Kohl has deep pockets and will be able to out spend just about any competition. Kohl should have little trouble winning another term, unless former Governor Tommy Thompson decides to enter the race. This seems unlikely, as Thompson has not indicated any desire to stay in politics.
[+ +] Maria Cantwell (D-WA): Democrat Patty Murray had no trouble winning re-election in 2004. Cantwell shouldn't have a problem either, unless failed gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi enters the race.
[+ +] Kent Conrad (D-ND): Despite being a Democrat in a red state, Conrad should have no problem holding this seat.
[+ +] Joe Lieberman (D-CT): Lieberman is extremely popular in Connecticut, though his complete support for Bush's foreign policy angers many Democrats. While the grassroots would support a primary challenge, assuming Lieberman wins the primary he will have no trouble getting elected.
[+ +] Hillary Clinton (D-NY): Now that both Rudy Giuliani and Governor Pataki have declined to enter the race, it is unlikely that the Republicans will be able to mount a strong challenge to Clinton. However, expect a heavily funded Republican challenge to at least make the seat somewhat competitive.
[+ + +] Daniel Akaka (D-HI): Akaka will have no problem winning another term.
[+ + +] Jeff Bingaman (D-NM): Bingaman should not have a problem winning another term.
[+ + +] Robert Byrd (D-WV): Byrd will hold this seat as long as he wants it. While there is speculation that he will retire, it is likely that he will run for one more term.
[+ + +] Thomas Carper (D-DE): Carper should have no trouble winning re-election.
[+ + +] Dianne Feinstein (D-CA): Feinstein will have an easy victory.
[+ + +] Ted Kennedy (D-MA): Kennedy is a Massachusetts institution and will have no trouble winning re-election.
[+ + +] Paul Sarbanes (D-MD): Sarbanes will have no trouble winning another term.
[+ + +] James Jeffords (I-VT): Jeffords should have no trouble winning in this very liberal state.