Senate News & Analysis
A year and a half before Election Day, the battle for the Senate is well underway.
GOP strategists are spending the first part of the cycle encouraging their incumbents to run for re-election while Democratic strategists are recruiting challengers to vulnerable Republican senators running for re-election in competitive states.
In…
ALABAMA – Richard Shelby (R) elected 1986 (50%), 1992 (65%), 1998 (63%), 2004 (68%), 2010 (65%). The only mystery is what Shelby will do with the $18 million in his campaign account when he doesn’t have a serious race. Safe GOP.
ALASKA – Lisa Murkowski (R) appointed Dec. 2002, elected…
KENTUCKY – Rand Paul (R) elected 2010 (56%). Paul announced his presidential campaign earlier this month but is planning to simultaneously run for re-election. Paul’s allies in the Legislature have been unable to change state law, which would prohibit him from doing that. But the GOP state central committee will…
NEW YORK – Chuck Schumer (D) elected 1998 (55%), 2004 (71%), 2010 (66%). It took Schumer a few hours to wrap up the leadership race after Harry Reid announced his retirement. Now, Schumer will run for re-election and be the next Democratic leader in the Senate. The only question is…
Liberal groups have targeted Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden for defeat in next year’s elections unless he sides with them on upcoming trade deals. But any talk about the four-term Democrat’s vulnerability is premature until there is a challenger.
“Secretive Trade Deal Could Pose Problems At Home For Ron Wyden,”…
Florida Senate. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio is expected to announce his presidential campaign on April 13 in Miami. He has previously said that he would choose a run for the White House or re-election and not switch back. Rubio would have been a formidable incumbent but the open seat creates…
After New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez was indicted on corruption charges Wednesday, Minority Leader Harry Reid’s reaction to his colleague’s situation wasn’t particularly surprising, but it’s not because Menendez is a fellow Democrat.
“I appreciate Senator Menendez’s willingness to temporarily step down as ranking member,” the Nevada Democrat said…
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid’s retirement ensures that Nevada will host a top-tier Senate race in 2016.
Reid’s announcement doesn’t expand the map for Republicans, since the Democrat was vulnerable if he had sought re-election to a sixth term. But the open seat is likely to be an expensive…
Smoke billowed out of Ted Kennedy’s living room fireplace as donors gathered in his D.C. home for a fundraiser, though the legendary senator was still on the Hill for votes.
But that wasn’t too much for Tom Lopach.
“I don’t know anyone, my house is on fire and my…
GOP Sen. Dan Coats’ retirement creates a takeover opportunity in Indiana next year. But Democrats will likely need some breaks to move the race from a potential gain to a top tier contest.
Coats would have started the race as a clear favorite for re-election, but now that he…