Senate News & Analysis

Convention: One Candidate’s Path is Another Candidate’s Hurdle for Democrats in Senate

by Nathan L. Gonzales September 4, 2012 · 5:24 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Democratic strategists are cautiously optimistic that they will maintain their Senate majority, but, absent an unforeseen political wave, the party will do battle in a series of local contests where an asset in one state might be a hurdle in another.

“Voters of Wisconsin don’t…

Senate Ratings Changes: Races Shift as Playing Field Takes Shape

September 3, 2012 · 12:22 AM EDT

In the wake of GOP nominee Todd Akin’s media meltdown, it’s not just Missouri that appears to be trending away from Republicans lately.

After moving the Show-Me State to Pure Toss-Up last week, we are moving it again, to Lean Democrat. Akin, who held a double-digit lead before…

Convention: Blue State Sen. Brown (R) Doesn’t Shy Away from Ruby Red Event

by Nathan L. Gonzales August 30, 2012 · 6:08 PM EDT

TAMPA, Fla. -- Sen. Scott Brown (R) may need a half a million Obama voters to get re-elected in Massachusetts, but that’s not keeping him away from appearing at the Republican Party’s biggest event.

“Mitt Romney is his friend,” said Eric Fehrnstrom, a senior advisor to both Brown…

Connecticut Senate: Move to Lean Democrat

by Stuart Rothenberg August 29, 2012 · 2:08 AM EDT

Less than two years ago, Republican Linda McMahon drew just 43 percent of the vote in Connecticut’s Senate race after spending over $50 million on her candidacy. Given that showing, there was little reason to believe than another run by McMahon, a businesswoman who ran a professional wrestling entertainment…

Missouri Senate: Move to Pure Toss-up

August 21, 2012 · 2:48 PM EDT

Two weeks ago, we were preparing to move the Missouri Senate race from Toss-up/Tilt Republican to Lean Republican, if either businessman John Brunner or former state treasurer Sarah Steelman had won the GOP Senate primary on August 7 and the right to face Sen. Claire McCaskill (D).

Now,…

Stage Officially Set for Competitive Senate Contests in Wisconsin, Florida, Connecticut

by Jessica Taylor August 15, 2012 · 1:19 AM EDT

In the Wisconsin Senate race, it’s officially a Tommy vs. Tammy showdown.

A topsy-turvy GOP primary came to a close on Tuesday, with former governor Tommy Thompson clinching what once seemed like an unlikely comeback bid more than a decade after he left office. Thompson took 34 percent…

Senate Control Boiling Down to Five States

by Stuart Rothenberg August 10, 2012 · 1:00 AM EDT

The fight for the Senate gives every indication that it will go down to the wire, with enough races still in play in late October so that neither party can feel completely confident about its prospects.

Right now, control of the Senate appears to rest on the outcomes…

2012 Senate Overview (August 10, 2012) Arizona - Michigan

August 10, 2012 · 12:59 AM EDT

ARIZONA - Open; Jon Kyl (R), not seeking re-election. August 28 primary.
Republicans go to the polls in just over two weeks to pick a nominee, and while former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum recently came out for real estate investor Wil Cardon, most conservative groups have joined the…

2012 Senate Overview (August 10, 2012) Minnesota-Ohio

August 10, 2012 · 12:58 AM EDT

MINNESOTA - Amy Klobuchar (D), elected 2006 (58%). August 14 primary.

Klobuchar will win another term. That's all you need to know.

MISSISSIPPI - Roger Wicker (R), appointed 2007, elected 2008 (55%).

Wicker faces Oktibbeha County Democratic Chairman Albert N. Gore Jr. in November…

2012 Senate Overview (August 10, 2012) Pennsylvania - Wyoming

August 10, 2012 · 12:57 AM EDT

PENNSYLVANIA - Bob Casey (D), elected 2006 (59%).

Wealthy retired coal company executive Tom Smith, who pumped personal money into the race, defeated the party-endorsed candidate in the primary and has now set his sights on Casey. The Republicans' challenge is to put a dent into Casey's image as…