Then there is Senator John Sununu. New Hampshire was a Republican
State-not any more. Former Governor Jeanne Sheehan is leading Sununu in
the polls by double digits. Sununu, although extremely bright and
energetic, is almost certain to go down to defeat.
Next is Minnesota. Senator Norm Coleman has performed well as a
Republican Senator. The only way he will be re-elected is if Al Franken
is the Democratic nominee. Franken has a serious primary. The outcome of
that primary likely will determine the outcome of the election.
And there is Alaska. Eighty-year-old Senator Ted Stevens is up for
re-election. Normally this would not be a contest. But the FBI is
investigating his dealings with a company which made repairs to his
home. The FBI also is investigating Stevens' son, a former Alaska State
Senator. Voters have not been kind to legislators under investigation.
Unless the FBI gives Stevens a clean bill of health, which is unlikely,
Stevens is likely to be in big trouble come election day.
Only one Democratic Senator appears vulnerable-Mary Landrieu of
Louisiana. She has been able to pull out tight races twice before. But
the demographics of Louisiana have changed since Katrina. This time a
strong Republican could defeat her.
It looks as if in a worse case scenario Republicans might lose seven and
gain one. That would leave McConnell with just 43 seats. That is an
unlikely number to prevent the Majority from attaining 60 votes. In
short, it goes not took good for Republicans in 2008 in the Senate. That
is unfortunate, as McConnell has been doing a very credible job as
Minority Leader.