Another Look at the Senate - Part One

​Almost all of the attention is focused on the presidential race but control of the Senate is also up for grabs. Ten Democratic and twenty-four Republican seats are being contested. The GOP currently has fifty-four seats.

After closely examining each race, I’m ready to project the winner. Eight Democrats and twelve Republicans should cruise to an easy victory. Another Democratic and a pair of Republican seats are pretty safe. That leaves a single Democratic and ten Republican seats that are in play. Below is the first part of my state by state analysis.

Arizona – John McCain survived a primary challenge and will face Ann Kirkpatrick. She has represented a congressional district that serves much of Arizona outside of Phoenix and Tucson. Not serving in the urban part of the state might be a problem. Some may object to McCain’s age (he just turned eighty) but he should win a sixth term.

Florida – Democrats thought they could pick this seat up since Marco Rubio wasn’t running. Now he is back in the race and just had an overwhelming primary win. The polls are close and some experts consider it a tossup. However, I believe Rubio will win.
Illinois – Mark Kirk is considered to be the most vulnerable Republican. He is running against Rep. Tammy Duckworth. She is a strong candidate who should send Kirk packing.
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Indiana – Incumbent Dan Coats announced his retirement for the second time. After the primary Rep. Todd Young was set to run against Baron Hill, the man he beat to obtain his seat. Then Hill bowed out in favor of former Senator Evan Bayh. Bayh and his father Birch have been winning races in Indiana for dec