Yesterday, I noted the fact that Republicans have a chance of taking over the Illinois Senate seat previously held by President Barack Obama. Later in the day yesterday, another possible Senate opportunity for the GOP presented itself in Indiana. As CNN.com reported, a new candidate has changed the dynamic in that race.
The CNN.com article noted the following:
Two well respected non-partisan political analysts have changed their ratings of this year's Senate race in Indiana, now that former Republican Sen. Dan Coats is taking the first steps towards challenging the incumbent, Democrat Evan Bayh.Coats, who held the seat from 1989 to 1999, opened an exploratory committee Wednesday . Following that announcement The Cook Political Report moved it's characterization of the race from solid Democrat to lean Democrat. A solid rating means the contest is not considered competitive and not likely to become closely contested. A lean rating means the race is considered competitive but one party has an advantage.
Coats still has to face Republican opponents before he can face Bayh but his entrance to the race could be a sign of good things for Republicans in the state.