Latest SurveyUSA Poll Shows Dem Gains Likely in Senate Races

[wyldwolf]

Even though only 15 Republican Senate seats are up in 2006 compared with 18 Democratic seats, the latest Surveyusa approval ratings of all 100 U.S. senators provide reason for optimism for Democrats. Six GOP incumbents whose seats are up this year received approval ratings below 50% including Conrad Burns of Montana (42%), Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania (43%), Mike DeWine of Ohio (43%), John Kyl of Arizona (47%), Jim Talent of Missouri (48%), and Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island (49%). All except Kyl appear likely to face serious, well-funded Democratic challengers in the fall. Recent polls show Santorum and Talent trailing their likely Democratic challengers and Burns, DeWine, and Chafee locked in close contests. In contrast, only two Democratic incumbents whose seats are up this year received approval ratings below 50%. Bill Nelson's approval rating was 49% in the latest poll of Florida voters, but his disapproval rating was a relatively low 34% and he has consistently led his likely GOP challenger, former FL Secretary of State Katherine Harris, by a comfortable margin in recent polls. Debbie Stabenow's approval rating was also 49% but her disapproval rating was only 39% and she, too, has been leading her potential Republican challengers by wide margins in recent polls. Democrats need to gain six seats to take control of the Senate. With at least five vulnerable GOP incumbents and a promising open seat contest in Tennessee where Republican majority leader Bill Frist is retiring, a pickup of six seats is not out of the question. At a minimum, Democrats are likely to gain several seats in the upper chamber and be well positioned to regain control in 2008 when a larger group of Republican seats will be up.

By Alan Abramowitz

http://www.emergingdemocraticmajorityweblog.com/donkeyrising/archives/001395.php

[acmejack]

1. News Flash! Upset Special! Kay Bailey Hutchison loses!

They still don't think we have a chance here, but I confidently predict Ms. Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D-TX) will be the Jr Senator from Texas come January 2007.

[liberaliraqvet26]

2. What makes you think that?

I've heard nothing on this race.

[acmejack]

3. We are maintaining a low profile!

Because I am giving her money? And I despise "Perjury is just a technicality" Kay? Those are two best reasons. BAR is a great candidate, super bright, well qualified, & I really do believe with a super GOTV effort we can pull this off. I think we can take Texas blue. This State is not nearly as red as some would have you believe.

I believe much depends on the outcome of the Supremes ruling on the mid decade redistricting, but we can prevail despite that. People are pissed down here, they're mad about our schools, they are angry about taxes, we have had the benefit of eight years of * screwing up this State before he took his show national.

[wyldwolf]

4. any polling data on that race?

Hope you're right.

[calimary]

5. Well, I hope you'll not stay low-profile for long. I talked to her on the

phone one day. She called my house (here in California). I guess it was because I was so gung-ho for Richard Morrison, who gave tom delay a run for his money in the last election - but still lost. Maybe he gave her his mailing list. I get her email stuff now. I really liked her. Very impressive woman, and shared my views on SO many things gone wrong with these people, from the war and the sneaky-ass secrecy of this criminal White House to their successful screwing of Valerie Plame to a woman's right to have the last word over her body. She seemed totally real and responsive, and I appreciated that she actually took the time to make contact, and to canvass me for my views. She spent probably ten minutes on the phone with me. I was really surprised! Anyway, I plan to support her candidacy - she's on a list of people to whom I'll be sending contributions. Try it! Y'know, the fat-cats think nothing of buying themselves a Congressperson or a Senator. We might as well do that, too. And you don't have to give a lot. Hell, none of us can afford what I know we'd like. for example, I'D still like to buy out rupert murdoch... (oh well, maybe next lifetime...)

[powergirl]

6. I HOPE YOU ARE RIGHT! - FELLOW TEXAN HERE

I am also "represented" by Rep. Sam Johnson. ugh.:puke: