Senate News & Analysis

Supermajority Within Reach for Senate Democrats

by Stuart Rothenberg November 30, 2012 · 10:42 AM EST

Just two years ago, Republicans seemed likely to have a chance at 60 Senate seats following the 2014 elections. But things certainly changed after Democrats won 25 of the 33 seats up this year.

Instead, GOP strategists need to worry about whether Democrats will be in the position…

Hollywood Cachet Doesn’t Always Cash In

by Stuart Rothenberg November 28, 2012 · 11:03 AM EST

Today’s question: What do the following people have in common: actors Alec Baldwin and Robert Redford, former Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr and former New York Rangers goalie Mike Richter?

Answer: Each of them is a bona fide star, and each was mentioned at some point as…

Perfect Storm for Democratic Pickups

by Stuart Rothenberg November 16, 2012 · 10:50 AM EST

While most members of the national media have focused on President Barack Obama’s narrow popular vote/substantial electoral vote victory, the far more stunning results occurred in the Senate.

Though defending 23 seats to the GOP’s 10, Democrats added two more seats last week (counting Maine independent Angus King).…

Mixed Message: Divided Nation Is Still Divided

by Stuart Rothenberg November 9, 2012 · 10:14 AM EST

Tuesday’s results were not unexpected, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t send shock waves through the political establishment.

The president was re-elected at the same time Democrats retained the Senate and Republicans continued to hold the House, but the elections seem to raise more questions about the future…

Jumping to Conclusions on the 2012 Elections

by Stuart Rothenberg November 6, 2012 · 10:00 AM EST

If there is one thing that you can probably bet on, it is that the winners and losers in today’s balloting will draw the wrong conclusions from the outcome.

The winner of the presidential election — of 270 votes in the Electoral College — will almost certainly see…

Settle In: Election Night Viewers’ Guide

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 6, 2012 · 8:00 AM EST

With eight presidential swing states, a dozen competitive Senate seats and more than 60 House seats in play, it’s impossible to follow them all as polls close and returns trickle in tonight. Here is a guide for when and where to focus your attention to accurately measure how things…

One-Page Election Night Guide

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 3, 2012 · 4:55 PM EDT

In order to ease your Election Night experience, we've put together a 1-page, downloadable Election Night Guide with our House, Senate, and Gubernatorial ratings. Just click here for the document. Keep in mind, these are our ratings as of Nov. 2, and check back over the weekend and…

Democrats Likely to Hold Senate, Republican Gains in Doubt (Senate Overview, November 2, 2012)

November 2, 2012 · 3:30 PM EDT

While Republicans are a virtual lock to hold the House, GOP chances of taking back the Senate remain decidedly long.

Republicans now look to have gained a narrow advantage in two states - Nevada and North Dakota - which have been toss-ups for much of the cycle, and…

The Economy Is Crumbling So Let’s Talk Abortion and Rape

by Stuart Rothenberg October 31, 2012 · 9:34 AM EDT

The unemployment rate is still 7.8 percent, and the gross domestic product is growing at a sluggish 2 percent. Young people graduating college can’t find jobs and are living in their parents’ houses. Economies in Europe and Asia are weakening, suggesting additional problems in the year ahead for the…

The Fight for the Senate: Uphill for the GOP (Senate Overview, October 26, 2012)

October 26, 2012 · 1:59 PM EDT

Democrats aren’t yet guaranteed to retain their Senate majority after November’s elections, but you have to think that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is feeling more and more secure about his party’s Senate prospects.

With Ohio only a GOP long-shot and prospects in Florida fading, Indiana a potential…