United States Senate elections, 2008 1133844 226123894 2008-07-16T22:36:57Z Downtown dan seattle 671199 /* Predictions */ {{Infobox Election | election_name = United States Senate elections, 2008 | country = United States | type = legislative | ongoing = yes | previous_election = United States Senate elections, 2006 | previous_year = 2006 | next_election = United States Senate elections, 2010 | next_year = 2010 | seats_for_election = Class II (33 of the 100) seats to the [[United States Senate]] and two mid-term vacancies from Class I | election_date = [[November 4]] [[2008]] | party1 = Democratic Party (United States) | last_election1 = 51 seats (49 + 2 independents) | seats1 = | seat_change1 = | popular_vote1 = | percentage1 = | swing1 = | party2 = Republican Party (United States) | last_election2 = 49 seats | seats2 = | seat_change2 = | popular_vote2 = | percentage2 = | swing2 = | map_image = 2008 Senate election map.png | map_size = 320px | map_caption = <big>''' Senate Seats up for election:'''<br>{{legend|#a20500|Two Republican incumbents}}{{legend|#d53034|Republican incumbent}}{{legend|#f99|Retiring Republican}}{{legend|#3072af|Democratic incumbent}}<!--{{legend|#39f|Retiring Democrat}}-->{{legend|#d5d3d5|No election}}</big> | title = | before_election = | before_colour = | after_election = | after_colour = | before_party = | after_party = }} '''Elections for the [[United States Senate]]''' will be held on [[November 4]] [[2008]], with 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate being contested. Thirty-three seats are regular elections; the winners will be eligible to serve six-year terms from [[January 3]] [[2009]] until [[January 3]] [[2015]] as members of [[Classes of United States Senators#Class II|Senate Class II]]. There are also two [[List of special elections to the United States Senate|special elections]]: one in [[United States Senate elections in Wyoming, 2008|Wyoming]] and another in [[United States Senate special election in Mississippi, 2008|Mississippi]]; the winners will serve the remainder of terms that expire on [[January 3]][[2013]], as members of [[Classes of United States Senators#Class I|Senate Class I]]. The [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 presidential election]], [[United States gubernatorial elections, 2008|gubernatorial elections]], and [[United States House elections, 2008|House of Representatives elections]] will occur on the same date, as well as many state and local elections. The current composition of the Senate, going into the 2008 election, consists of 49 [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]], 49 [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]], and two independents ([[Bernie Sanders]] of [[Vermont]] and [[Joe Lieberman]] of [[Connecticut]], who both caucus with Democrats). Of the seats up for election in 2008, 23 are held by Republicans and 12 by Democrats. There may be changes to the list of incumbents below if senators die or resign. The date of a death or resignation determines if there will be a special election in 2008, and the rules vary from state to state. ==Predictions== Democrats possess a field advantage in 2008, needing to defend only 12 seats, while Republicans must defend 23. In addition, five Republicans, but no Democrats, have announced that they are retiring. The open seat gap between the parties is the biggest in 50 years.<ref>[http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=weeklyreport-000002632539 Election 2008: Senate: Republicans Face a Daunting Year] CQ Staff, ''CQ Politics'', November 30.2007</ref><ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/us/politics/07senate.html Senate Democrats Hope for a Majority Not Seen in 30 Years: 60 Seats] David M. Herszenhorn, ''The New York Times'', March 7, 2008</ref> Political pundits often use statewide results of recent [[United States presidential election|presidential elections]] for comparison with subsequent Senate elections. Six of the 12 Democrats are from states won by [[George W. Bush]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2004|2004 election]] (Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, South Dakota, and West Virginia) while four of the 23 Republicans are from states won by [[John Kerry]] (Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Oregon). Below is a table summarizing various non-partisan election analyses. Although the nomenclature varies slightly, the categories can be understood as follows:<br> "Safe" -- the race is not expected to become competitive.<br> "Favored" -- the race is currently not competitive, but may become competitive if new political factors intervene.<br> "Leans" -- the race is competitive, but one candidate has a clear advantage.<br> "Tossup" -- neither candidate has a clear advantage. The ratings below are current as of [[July 14]][[2008]]. Races where one party is considered "Safe" by all sources are not included in the table. Currently these include:<br> <font color="blue">SAFE DEMOCRATIC: <br> Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Rhode Island, and West Virginia</font><br> <font color="red">SAFE REPUBLICAN: <br> Mississippi, South Carolina, Wyoming, and Wyoming*</font> Also not included in the table are the <font color="blue">39 Democratic</font> and <font color="red">26 Republican</font> seats not up for election this year. An asterisk (*) denotes a special election. {| class="wikitable" |- bgcolor="#ececec" | '''Source''' | bgcolor="#2222FF" | <font color="#fff">'''Safe Democratic'''</font> | bgcolor="#6666FF" | <font color="#fff">'''Democrat Favored'''</font> | bgcolor="#AAAAFF" | <font color="#fff">'''Leans Democratic'''</font> | bgcolor="#CCAADD" | <font color="#fff">'''Tossup'''</font> | bgcolor="#FFAAAA" | <font color="#fff">'''Leans Republican'''</font> | bgcolor="#FF6666" | <font color="#fff">'''Republican Favored'''</font> | bgcolor="#FF2222" | <font color="#fff">'''Safe Republican'''</font> |- | [[Cook Political Report|The Cook<br>Political Report]] <br> [http://cookpolitical.com/races/senate/ratings.php (updates)]<br>Last updated May 23, 2008 <!--SD-->| <font color=#4444FF>New Jersey</font> <!--DF-->| <font color=#4444FF>South Dakota</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Virginia</font> <!--LD-->| <font color=#4444FF>Louisiana</font> <!--TO-->| nowrap | <font color=#FF2222>Alaska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Colorado</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Minnesota</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Mississippi*</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>New Hampshire</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>New Mexico</font> <!--LR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Maine</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oregon</font> <!--RF-->| <font color=#FF2222>Nebraska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>North Carolina</font> <!--SR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alabama</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Georgia</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Idaho</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kansas</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kentucky</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oklahoma</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Tennessee</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Texas</font> |- | [[Congressional Quarterly|CQ Politics]] <br> [http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate (updates)]<br>Last updated June 8, 2008 <!--SD-->| <font color=#4444FF>South Dakota</font> <!--DF-->| <font color=#4444FF>New Jersey</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Virginia</font> <!--LD-->| <font color=#4444FF>Louisiana</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>New Mexico</font> <!--TO-->| <font color=#FF2222>Colorado</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Minnesota</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Mississippi*</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>New Hampshire</font> <!--LR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alaska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Maine</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oregon</font> <!--RF-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alabama</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Georgia</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kansas</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kentucky</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Nebraska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>North Carolina</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oklahoma</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Tennessee</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Texas</font> <!--SR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Idaho</font> |- | [[TradeSports|Intrade]]<sup>1</sup> <br> [http://www.intrade.com/jsp/intrade/contractSearch/index.jsp?query=senate (updates)]<br>Last updated July 16, 2008 <!--SD-->| <font color=#FF2222>New Mexico</font> <!--DF-->| nowrap | <font color=#FF2222>Colorado</font> <br> <font color=#4444FF>Louisiana</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>New Hampshire</font> <br> <font color=#4444FF>New Jersey</font> <br> <font color=#4444FF>South Dakota</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Virginia</font> <!--LD-->| nowrap | <font color=#FF2222>Mississippi*</font> <!--TO-->| nowrap | <font color=#FF2222>Alaska</font> <!--LR-->| nowrap | <font color=#FF2222>Minnesota</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oregon</font> <!--RF-->| nowrap | <font color=#FF2222>Idaho</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kansas</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kentucky</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Maine</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Nebraska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>North Carolina</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Texas</font> <!--SR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alabama</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Georgia</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oklahoma</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Tennessee</font> |- | The [[Stuart Rothenberg|Rothenberg]] Political Report <br> [http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2008/05/2008-senate-ratings.html (updates)]<br>Last updated May 20, 2008 <!--SD-->| <font color=#4444FF>New Jersey</font> <br> <font color=#4444FF>South Dakota</font> <!--DF-->| <font color=#FF2222>Virginia</font> <!--LD-->| nowrap | <font color=#FF2222>New Hampshire</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>New Mexico</font> <!--TO-->| nowrap | <font color=#FF2222>Colorado</font> <br> <font color=#4444FF>Louisiana</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Minnesota</font> <!--LR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alaska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oregon</font> <!--RF-->| <font color=#FF2222>Kentucky</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Maine</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Mississippi*</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>North Carolina</font> <!--SR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alabama</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Georgia</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Idaho</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kansas</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Nebraska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oklahoma</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Tennessee</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Texas</font> |- | [[Larry Sabato]]'s <br> ''Crystal Ball'' <br> [http://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2008/senate/ (updates)]<br>Last updated June 19, 2008 <!--SD-->| <font color=#4444FF>New Jersey</font> <br> <font color=#4444FF>South Dakota</font> <!--DF-->| <font color=#FF2222>Virginia</font> <!--LD-->| <font color=#FF2222>Colorado</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>New Hampshire</font> <br> <font color=#4444FF>Louisiana</font> <BR> <font color=#FF2222>New Mexico</font> <!--TO-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alaska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Mississippi*</font> <!--LR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Maine</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Minnesota</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>North Carolina</font> <BR> <font color=#FF2222>Oregon</font> <!--RF-->| (none) <!--SR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alabama</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Idaho</font> <br><font color=#FF2222>Georgia</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kansas</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kentucky</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Nebraska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oklahoma</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Tennessee</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Texas</font> |- | [[Nate Silver]]'s <br>[[FiveThirtyEight.com]]<br>[http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/search/label/senate%20polls updates]<br>Last updated July 7, 2008 <!--SD-->| <font color=#FF2222>New Mexico</font> <br> <font color=#4444FF>South Dakota</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Virginia</font> <!--DF-->| <font color=#FF2222>Colorado</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>New Hampshire</font> <br> <font color=#4444FF>New Jersey</font> <br> <font color=#4444FF>Louisiana</font> <!--LD-->| (none) <!--TO-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alaska</font> <!--LR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Kentucky</font> <br><font color=#FF2222>Maine</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Minnesota</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Mississippi*</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oregon</font> <!--RF-->| <font color=#FF2222>Idaho</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kansas</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>North Carolina</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oklahoma</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Texas</font> <!--SR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alabama</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Georgia</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Nebraska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Tennessee</font> <br> |- bgcolor="#ececec" |- | [[Swing State Project]]<br><ref>[http://www.swingstateproject.com/tag.do?tag=SSP%20Senate%20Race%20Ratings swingstateproject.com]</ref><br>Last updated June 19, 2008 <!--SD-->| <font color=#4444FF>New Jersey</font> <br> <font color=#4444FF>South Dakota</font> <!--DF-->| <font color=#FF2222>Virginia</font> <!--LD-->| <font color=#4444FF>Louisiana</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>New Mexico</font> <!--TO-->| <font color=#FF2222>Colorado</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>New Hampshire</font> <!--LR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alaska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Minnesota</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Mississippi*</font> <br><font color=#FF2222>North Carolina</font> <!--RF-->| <font color=#FF2222>Maine</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oregon</font> <!--SR-->| <font color=#FF2222>Alabama</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Georgia</font> <br><font color=#FF2222>Idaho</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kansas</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Kentucky</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Nebraska</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Oklahoma</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Tennessee</font> <br> <font color=#FF2222>Texas</font> |- bgcolor="#ececec" | | bgcolor="#2222FF" | | bgcolor="#6666FF" | | bgcolor="#AAAAFF" | | bgcolor="#CCAADD" | | bgcolor="#FFAAAA" | | bgcolor="#FF6666" | | bgcolor="#FF2222" | |} <small> <font color=#4444FF>Blue</font>=Seats held by Democrats prior to 2008 elections<br> <font color=#FF2222>Red</font>=Seats held by Republicans prior to 2008 elections<br> 1=Intrade does not have named categories, but instead gives percentage chances of a given outcome, based on what the market will bear. "Safe" races are those were one candidate is given a 90% or more chance to win, "favored" are those where a candidate is given a 67% or more chance to win, "leans" are those where one candidate is favored by at least 55%, and "tossup" are those where neither candidate has 55%. </small> ==Races== ===Retirements=== Five senators, all Republicans, — [[Wayne Allard]] (CO), [[John Warner]] (VA), [[Chuck Hagel]] (NE), [[Larry Craig]] (ID), and [[Pete Domenici]] (NM) — have announced their retirements. ====Wayne Allard (R) of Colorado==== {{main|United States Senate election in Colorado, 2008}} In [[Colorado]], incumbent Republican Senator [[Wayne Allard]] limited himself to two terms. On [[January 15]], [[2007]], he announced he would not seek re-election.<ref>{{cite news |title=Allard won’t run again in 2008 |url=http://www.canoncitydailyrecord.com/Top-Story.asp?ID=5889 |work=Cañon City Daily Record |publisher=Associated Press |date=2007-01-16 |accessdate=2007-02-05 }}</ref> Allard has had fairly low approval ratings, suggesting this race could have been close. Vying for the Republican nomination, former [[United States House of Representatives|Representative]] [[Bob Schaffer]] has announced his candidacy. Former [[Denver Broncos]] [[quarterback]] [[John Elway]] was rumored to be considering a run, but declined to do so.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/elections/article/0,2808,DRMN_24736_5285524,00.html |title=Elway nixes '08 Senate run |work=[[Rocky Mountain News]] |date=2007-01-17 |accessdate=2007-02-05}}</ref> Other possible candidates, like former Congressman [[Scott McInnis]] and [[Colorado Attorney General]] [[John Suthers]], a former [[El Paso County, Colorado|El Paso County]] [[District Attorney]], also decided not to run. The Democratic nominee is Congressman [[Mark Udall]], ([[colorado's 2nd congressional district|CO-2]]) who announced that he will seek the seat and did not draw any significant primary opposition.<ref>{{cite news | first=Ed | last=Sealover | title=Shift puts key state issues in question | date=[[November 8]], [[2006]] | work = Colorado Springs Gazette | url=http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1326323 | accessdate = 2006-11-11 }}</ref> The [[2008 Democratic National Convention]] will be held in [[Denver]]. Bob Kinsey is also running as the Green Party nominee. <ref>[http://www.kinseyforsenate.org/?q=HOME kinseyforsenate.org]</ref> ====Larry Craig (R) of Idaho==== {{main|United States Senate election in Idaho, 2008}} On [[September 1]] [[2007]], Senator [[Larry Craig]] announced his intent to resign from the Senate effective [[September 30]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/01/craig.arrest/index.html |title=Amid sex scandal, Sen. Craig resigns |publisher=CNN.com}}</ref> The announcement followed by just six days the disclosure that he had pleaded guilty on [[August 1]] to a reduced misdemeanor charge arising out of his arrest on [[June 11]] at the [[Minneapolis, Minnesota|Minneapolis]] airport for soliciting sex with a man in the restroom. Craig found almost no support among Republicans in his home state or Washington. Kent Marmon of the Libertarian Party is also running.<ref>[http://www.marmonforidaho.com/ Marmon for Idaho official website]</ref> On [[October 4]], Senator Craig announced he will not seek reelection, but would remain in office until the end of his term.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071004/ap_on_go_co/craig_senate;_ylt=AsmmtH1yfkzJMiQO3n977k2yFz4D |title=Craig announces he will not resign}}</ref> In the race to replace Senator Craig, Lieutenant Governor [[Jim Risch]] is the Republican candidate, and former congressman [[army]] [[veteran]] [[Larry LaRocco]] is the Democratic candidate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/results/enr/statewide_total.html |title=As Craig’s Problems Continue, Focus Turns to Possible 2008 Idaho Senate Race Without Him}}</ref> Risch and LaRocco ran against each other in the 2006 Lieutenant Governor race, which Risch won by a wide margin. The last Democratic Senator from Idaho was [[Frank Church]], who was defeated in the Republican landslide of [[United States Senate elections, 1980|1980]] after serving four terms. ====Chuck Hagel (R) of Nebraska==== {{main|United States Senate election in Nebraska, 2008}} In [[Nebraska]], incumbent Republican Senator [[Chuck Hagel]] chose to retire rather than run for a third term. Former Governor [[Mike Johanns]], who recently resigned as [[United States Secretary of Agriculture|Agriculture Secretary]], is the Republican nominee, having defeated opponent [[Pat Flynn]] 87-13 in the primary. [[Scott Kleeb]], 2006 candidate for [[Nebraska's 3rd congressional district]], defeated businessman Tony Raimondo, a former Republican, by a wide margin in the Democratic primary. Nebraska state [[Green Party (United States)|Green Party]] Co-Chairman Steve Larrick is also a candidate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kptm.com/Global/story.asp?S=7326242&nav=menu606_2_4 |title=Green Party's Larrick to enter Senate race |publisher=kptm.com}}</ref> ====Pete Domenici (R) of New Mexico==== {{main|United States Senate election in New Mexico, 2008}} While Senator [[Pete Domenici]] had declared that he would seek reelection in [[New Mexico]], he changed his mind and announced on [[October 4]], [[2007]] that he was retiring at the end of his current term due to a degenerative brain disorder.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E04EFD91530F937A35753C1A9619C8B63 |title=Republican Senator From New Mexico Is Said to Be Retiring}}</ref> Domenici normally would have been expected to win re-election easily, having won his current term with the support of two out of three New Mexico voters; however, he is to be investigated by the [[Senate Ethics Committee]] for his role in firing U.S. Attorney [[David Iglesias]]. Domenici's role in the developing scandal had reduced the probability he would have been re-elected, and a SurveyUSA poll showed his approval ratings at 41%, with 54% disapproving.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=da4d5db4-4d96-4318-9af1-da83f4798b17 |title=SurveyUSA Approval Ratings for New Mexico Senators}}</ref> The potential scandal may have also contributed to his decision to leave the Senate. Rep. [[Tom Udall]] (D) is the Democratic nominee. The Republican nominee is Rep. [[Steve Pearce]], who represents the more conservative southern part of the state. When asked whether the Republicans were abandoning their hopes of holding onto Domenici's seat, Senator [[John Ensign]], the chairman of the [[National Republican Senatorial Committee]], responded that "You don’t waste money on races that don’t need it or you can’t win.”<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/06/12/sen-ensign-says-gop-majority-would-be-fairly-miraculous/ Senator Ensign says GOP Majority would be 'Fairly Miraculous']</ref> ====John Warner (R) of Virginia==== {{main|United States Senate election in Virginia, 2008}} [[John Warner]] announced on [[August 31]], [[2007]] that he would not seek reelection for another term.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3546945 |title=Sen. John Warner Decides Not to Run |publisher=ABC News |date=2007-08-31 |accessdate=2007-08-31}}</ref> Former Governor [[Jim Gilmore]], who recently dropped out of the [[2008 presidential election]], is the Republican nominee for the seat.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21884826/ |title=Gilmore Announces 2008 U.S. Senate Bid |publisher=msnbc.msn.com}}</ref> Popular Democratic former Governor [[Mark Warner]] is the Democratic nominee for the race.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn-LXhkNV3k Video Announcement]</ref> Polling shows him as a strong favorite to win the seat.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/virginia_senate |title=Democrat Warner Holds Large Lead Over Davis and Gilmore |publisher=Rasmussen Reports}}</ref> When asked whether the Republicans were abandoning their hopes of holding onto Warner's seat, Senator [[John Ensign]], the chairman of the [[National Republican Senatorial Committee]], responded that "You don’t waste money on races that don’t need it or you can’t win.”<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/06/12/sen-ensign-says-gop-majority-would-be-fairly-miraculous/ Senator Ensign says GOP Majority would be 'Fairly Miraculous']</ref> ===Democratic incumbent races=== ====Mark Pryor of Arkansas==== {{main|United States Senate election in Arkansas, 2008}} Despite being a first-term senator in a state George W. Bush won twice, Democrat [[Mark Pryor]] will face no opposition from Republicans in his reelection bid. It was rumored that Lt. Governor [[Bill Halter]] would challenge Pryor in the primary, but Halter declined to file as a candidate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002684828 |publisher=CQ Politics |title=Arkansas Sen. Pryor Now Safe, as GOP Fails to Field Challenger}}</ref> [[Rebekah Kennedy]] of the Green Party is Pryor's only opposition. ====Joe Biden of Delaware==== {{main|United States Senate election in Delaware, 2008}} Having dropped his presidential run<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0427118820080104 |title=Dodd and Biden drop out of White House race |publisher=Reuters}}</ref> following a poor showing in the [[Iowa Democratic caucuses, 2008|Iowa caucuses]], [[Joe Biden]] is not expected to face serious opposition in his bid for re-election. If [[Barack Obama]] announces Biden as his vice presidential candidate, it is widely rumored that his son, [[Beau Biden]] would run for his seat. ====Dick Durbin of Illinois==== {{main|United States Senate election in Illinois, 2008}} Senate Majority Whip [[Richard Durbin]] remains favored in [[Illinois]]. He seeks to be reelected in a state that has steadily become more Democratic since 1992. CQpolitics.com rates the contest as "safe Democrat." Physician [[Steve Sauerberg]] of [[La Grange, Illinois|La Grange]] won the [[February 5]] Republican primary.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2008/02/06/news/state/doc47a97787a74ce109171390.txt |title=Sauerberg to take on Durbin}}</ref> Kathy Cummings, a retired special education teacher was nominated via convention by the Green Party.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/articles/2008/03/29/state_news/516green.txt |publisher=Morris Daily Herald |title=Illinois Green Party chooses retired teacher as senate candidate}}</ref> Chad Koppie, a retired airline pilot, is the nominee of the Constitution Party. ====Tom Harkin of Iowa==== {{main|United States Senate election in Iowa, 2008}} Senator [[Tom Harkin]] has announced he will seek re-election.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jane |last=Norman |title=Harkin points toward re-election bid |url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007701180387 |work=[[The Des Moines Register]] |date=2007-01-18 |accessdate=2007-02-06}}</ref> Harkin received 54% of the vote in 2002 against former Republican Congressman [[Greg Ganske]]. In 2006, the Democrats gained two of Iowa's U.S. House seats and won majorities in both chambers of the state legislature as well as retaining the [[Iowa]] Governor's mansion. A March poll found that 53% of Iowa citizens approve of Harkin while 41% disapprove. The Republican nominee is businessman Christopher Reed. ====Mary Landrieu of Louisiana==== {{main|United States Senate election in Louisiana, 2008}} Senator [[Mary Landrieu]] was elected in 1996 following a recount and was narrowly re-elected in 2002 in a [[runoff election]]. Since those elections, Democrats have had to endure the loss of some reliable voters because [[Hurricane Katrina]] dispersed many African-Americans from [[New Orleans]], although the vast majority still live within [[Louisiana]]. The state has become more Republican over the past 12 years. [[Louisiana]] elected [[David Vitter]] in 2004, the state's first Republican senator since Reconstruction. And Louisianans elected Republican [[Bobby Jindal]] as the first Indian-American Governor in the country's history in 2007. Louisiana's electoral votes easily went to George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. On [[August 27]], [[2007]], state Treasurer [[John N. Kennedy]] announced he was switching parties from Democrat to Republican. On [[November 29]], after being personally recruited by Vitter and former Bush administration official [[Karl Rove]], Kennedy announced plans to challenge Landrieu in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/2007/08/treasurer_bolts_to_gop.html |title=Treasurer bolts to GOP - Breaking News Updates New Orleans |publisher=New Orleans Times-Picayune (NOLA.com)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/politics/11924956.html |publisher=2theadvocate.com |title=Kennedy seeking Senate seat}}</ref> A July 9 poll by Rasmussen Reports shows Landrieu narrowly leading Kennedy by a 51% to 45% margin.<ref.[http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/louisiana/election_2008_louisiana_senate rasmussenreports.com], Louisiana race</ref> ====John Kerry of Massachusetts==== {{main|United States Senate election in Massachusetts, 2008}} Senator [[John Kerry]] is seeking another Senate term in [[Massachusetts]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Rick |last=Klein |title=Kerry won't run for president in '08 |url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/01/24/kerry_to_bow_out_of_08_presidential_race |work=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=2007-01-24 |accessdate=2007-02-05 }}</ref>A [[December 23]] [[2007]], poll has his approval rating at 52%, with 43% disapproving.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=4dd43871-283c-49bb-85dc-6a7aba90bc63/ |title=SurveyUSA 2008 Massachusetts U.S. Senate Poll Results}}</ref> Republican author and conservative activist [[Jerome Corsi]], known for his public criticism of Kerry, had stated that he would run for the seat in 2008 but later changed his mind. Another challenger to Kerry is Jeff Beatty, an ex-Army [[Delta Force]] officer who garnered 30% of the vote in a challenge to Democratic Congressman [[Bill Delahunt]] in 2006. In addition, [[Jim Ogonowski]], a retired [[United States Air Force|Air Force]] pilot who was closely defeated by now-Representative [[Niki Tsongas]] in a [[Massachusetts's 5th congressional district special election, 2007|2007 special election]], is running against Kerry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/politics/view.bg?articleid=1069400 |title=Ogonowski set to battle Kerry for Senate seat |publisher=BostonHerald.com}}</ref> Ogonowski has failed to obtain the required 10,000 signatures as of May 29th, 2008. Kerry is being challenged by defense attorney Edward O'Reilly for the Democratic nomination. ====Carl Levin of Michigan==== {{main|United States Senate election in Michigan, 2008}} Senator [[Carl Levin]] has announced he will seek a sixth term in [[Michigan]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Levin to seek another Senate term in '08 |date=2006-12-04 |author=Associated Press |publisher=MSNBC.com |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16038202/ |accessdate=2006-02-06}}</ref> With the Democratic Party takeover of Capitol Hill in the 2006 midterm elections, Levin has become one of the most powerful people in Washington as chairman of the [[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|Senate Armed Services Committee]]. He is expected to easily win re-election. Republican State Representative [[Jack Hoogendyk]] is challenging Levin.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080215/POLITICS01/802150437 |title=Raczkowski drops out of Senate race; Hoogendyk to challenge Levin}}</ref> [[Troy, Michigan|Troy]] engineer Bart Baron is also running,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mlive.com/elections/index.ssf/2008/01/levin_raises_840000_for_reelec.html |title=Levin raises $840,000 for re-election campaign}}</ref> but did not qualify for the August 5 party primary.<ref>http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/candlist/08PRI/08PRI_CL.HTM</ref> ====Max Baucus of Montana==== {{main|United States Senate election in Montana, 2008}} Senator [[Max Baucus]] is a popular [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] in [[Montana]], representing a state that has long been fairly Republican but also is receptive to Democrats in state and local elections. President Bush won Montana by more than 20 points in both 2000 and 2004, but Montana also has a popular Democratic governor, [[Brian Schweitzer]], and a newly elected Democratic junior senator, [[Jon Tester]]. Baucus is not expected to face a significant challenge from the 85 year old Republican nominee, Bob Kelleher, who surprised observers by winning the June 3 Republican primary despite supporting a number of positions that put him to the political left of Baucus, such as nationalization of the American oil and gas industry.<ref>http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/06/05/news/local/news03.txt</ref>. ====Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey==== {{main|United States Senate election in New Jersey, 2008}} Senator [[Frank Lautenberg]] has indicated that he will seek re-election in 2008 at the age of 84. In the Primary, Lautenberg soundly defeated Representative [[Rob Andrews]] ([[New Jersey's 1st congressional district|NJ-1]]) by a margin of 62% to 32%. In November 2006, the senator had the lowest approval rating of any Democrat running for re-election in 2008 (with 39% approving and 45% disapproving),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=7f2453b4-1590-478a-bbf4-29bb08ae42da |title= Results of SurveyUSA News Poll #11152 |accessdate=2007-02-05 |year=2006 |month=November |publisher=[[SurveyUSA]]}}</ref> with his approval standing only at 42% as of September 2007 with voters saying he does not deserve re-election 46%-36%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://politickernj.com/voters-still-say-lautenberg-too-old-12097 |title=Voters still say Lautenberg is too old |publisher=NJ.com. |date=2007-09-25 |dateaccessed=2007-11-30}}</ref> The Republican nominee is former Congressman and 1996 senatorial candidate [[Dick Zimmer (New Jersey politician)|Dick Zimmer]]. A June 2008 Rasmussen Reports poll found that this race may be one to watch. 45 percent of New Jersey voters say they plan on voting for Lautenberg, with 44 percent saying they plan to vote for Zimmer.<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/06/10/Sen_Lautenberg_in_dead_heat_in_New_Jersey/UPI-27421213140317/ Sen Lautenberg in dead heat in New Jersey], via UPI.com</ref> [[Sara Lobman]] of the [[Socialist Workers Party]] and Independent [[Anthony Fisher]] are also declared candidates.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/fisher4senate/fisher4NJsenate.html |title=Anthony B. Fisher for U.S. Senate in 2008 official website}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://politics1.com/nj.htm |title=Politics1 - Online Guide to New Jersey Politics}}</ref> ====Jack Reed of Rhode Island==== {{main|United States Senate election in Rhode Island, 2008}} In [[Rhode Island]], Democratic Senator [[Jack Reed]] had an approval rating of 66% in November 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=97e8b51c-a325-4ce2-a466-e45187d5508a |title= Results of SurveyUSA News Poll #11161 |accessdate=2007-02-05 |date=2006-11-22 |publisher=[[SurveyUSA]]}}</ref> ''[[National Journal]]'' has declared that "Reed is probably the safest incumbent of the 2008 cycle". Reed's opponent is Bob Tingle, a pit boss at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=c51c6849-23ce-4804-9819-ace578873127 |title= Candidate From Casino Knows Odds |date=2008-07-02 |publisher= theDay.com}}</ref> A July 7 Rasmussen poll had Reed leading Tingle 72% to 20%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/rhode_island/election_2008_rhode_island_senate |title= Rhode Island Senate: Reed Safe in Re-Election Bid}}</ref> ====Tim Johnson of South Dakota==== {{main|United States Senate election in South Dakota, 2008}} In [[South Dakota]], Senator [[Tim Johnson (politician)|Tim Johnson]]'s seat was considered a top GOP target in 2008, considering Johnson's narrow 524-vote victory in 2002 over then-Congressman and current U.S. Senator [[John Thune]], as well as his recent health problems. Johnson underwent surgery in December 2006 for a [[Cerebral arteriovenous malformation]] and was discharged from the hospital on [[April 30]], [[2007]]. On [[October 19]], Johnson formally announced that he is seeking re-election.<ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gAtgiTwP1wYCx1CQ8-Xzw2mTx3eQD8SCFJJ00 ap.google.com]</ref> According to a November 2006 [[SurveyUSA]] poll, Johnson has an approval rating of 70%, with just 26% disapproving of his performance,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=03bd2c48-6b0b-41c9-85b6-5828f49a2c8c |title= Results of SurveyUSA News Poll #11163 |accessdate=2007-02-05 |year=2006 |month=November |format= |publisher=[[SurveyUSA]] }}</ref> making him an early favorite despite the state's Republican leaning. Republicans were unsuccessful in persuading Governor [[Mike Rounds]] and former Lieutenant Governor [[Steve Kirby]] to run. State Representative [[Joel Dykstra]] (R) announced on [[July 5]], [[2007]] that he was running. Other Republicans running are [[Charles Lyonel]] Gonyo and Sam Kephart. Rep. [[Dykstra]] captured the Republican Nomination during the South Dakota primary on [[June 3]] and will face Johnson in November.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dakotavoice.com/2008/06/dykstra-wins-republican-south-dakota-us.html|title=Dykstra Wins Republican South Dakota U.S. Senate Primary|date=2008-06-03}}</ref> A [[March 7]] Rasmussen Reports poll shows [[Johnson]] leading [[Dykstra]] by 35 points, 63%-28%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/election_2008_south_dakota_senate |title=2008 South Dakota Senate Poll |publisher=Rasmussen Reports}}</ref> ====Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia==== {{main|United States Senate election in West Virginia, 2008}} Senator [[Jay Rockefeller]], great-grandson of oil tycoon [[John D. Rockefeller]], will seek a fifth term in [[West Virginia]]. Even though West Virginia is a historically Democratic state, in which the party had a 50-32% edge in party affiliation over the Republicans in the 2004 elections, the state party is more conservative than the national party, giving its votes to President [[George W. Bush]] in that election and in 2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004//pages/results/states/WV/P/00/epolls.0.html |title=Election 2004 West Virginia Exit Poll |accessdate=2007-02-06 |date=2004-11-02 |publisher=CNN.com }}</ref> Democrats Sheirl Fletcher and Billy Hendricks challenged Rockefeller in the primary but were defeated. The Republican nominee is Jay Wolfe. ===Republican incumbent races=== ====Jeff Sessions of Alabama==== {{main|United States Senate election in Alabama, 2008}} In [[Alabama]], Senator [[Jeff Sessions]] is running for re-election. On [[January 10]], [[2007]], U.S. Representative [[Artur Davis]] ([[Alabama's 7th congressional district|AL-7]]) announced that he will not run for the seat.<ref>{{cite news | author=Associated Press | title=Davis Won't Challenge Stevens | date=[[January 9]], [[2007]] | publisher = WTOK | url=http://www.wtok.com/news/headlines/5125936.html | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> Despite voting heavily for [[George W. Bush|Bush]] in 2004, Alabama still has a strong Democratic presence; Democrats control majorities of both chambers in the [[Alabama Legislature|state legislature]]. Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries [[Ron Sparks (politician)|Ron Sparks]] appeared to be preparing for a run, but on [[June 12]], [[2007]], Sparks announced that he will not seek the Senate seat, in order to avoid a primary battle with state Senator [[Vivian Davis Figures]].<ref>{{cite news |Birmingham News staff |title=Sparks says he won't seek U.S. Senate seat |url=http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2007/06/sparks_says_he_wont_seek_us_se.html |work=[[Everything Alabama]] |publisher=[[Alabama Live]] |date=2007-06-12 |accessdate=2007-06-13 }}</ref> Figures has won elections in the Republican-leaning [[Mobile, Alabama|Mobile]] area. Johnny Swanson announced his candidacy in March 2006 for the Democratic nomination.<ref>[http://www.swansonforsenate.com swansonforsenate.com]</ref> In the Democratic primary, Vivian Figures won the nomination and will face Sessions in November. ====Ted Stevens of Alaska==== {{main|United States Senate election in Alaska, 2008}} Dispelling rumors that he would retire due to advanced age (he will be 85 years old in November) and ongoing federal investigations into his conduct, Senator [[Ted Stevens]] filed papers for re-election for an eighth term.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/stevens-filed-for-reelection-2008-02-21.html |publisher=TheHill.com |title=Stevens files for reelection}}</ref> An oil company executive who bribed many Alaskan politicians paid for construction work on Stevens's personal residence. It has also been revealed that the FBI had recorded Stevens's phone calls with the Alaskan contractor who is cooperating with them. The FBI is investigating the remodeling of Stevens home by Veco Corp., which is part of a broader corruption investigation involving Stevens's son, former State Senate President [[Ben Stevens]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Mauer |title=Feds eye Stevens' home remodeling project |url=http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/8928969p-8829178c.html |work=[[Alaska Daily News]] |publisher=[[McClatchy Company]] |date=2007-05-29 |accessdate=2007-05-29 }}</ref> Two former Veco executives have plead guilty to paying the younger Stevens $242,000 in bribes.<ref>{{cite news |first=Laura |last=McGann |title=Extreme Makeover: Veco Edition |url=http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003309.php |work=[[TPMmuckraker]] |publisher=[[TPM Media]] |date=2007-05-29 |accessdate=2007-05-29 }}</ref> On [[July 30]], [[2007]], the [[IRS]] and [[FBI]] raided Stevens's home in Alaska. On [[September 14]], [[2007]], former Veco CEO Bill Allen testified at the trial of former State House Speaker [[Pete Kott]] that Veco paid people working to double the size of Stevens's home.<ref>{{cite news |first=Dan |last=Joling |title=Oil exec: Workers remodeled Stevens home |url=http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2007/09/oil_exec_workers_remodeled_ste.php |work=[[Associated Press]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |date=2007-09-14 |accessdate=2007-09-14 }}</ref> Republicans have several choices in this conservative state such as former Lieutenant Governor [[Loren Leman]]; former state Senator John Binkley, who ran for Governor in 2006; state Senate Minority Leader Gene Therriault; State House Speaker John Harris; and State Representative Tom Anderson.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} The leading Democratic candidate is Anchorage Mayor [[Mark Begich]], the son of popular former Democratic Representative [[Nick Begich]], who announced his candidacy for the Senate seat on [[April 22]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/begich-to-officially-enter-race-vs.-stevens-2008-04-20.html|title=Begich to officially enter race vs. Stevens|publisher=The Hill}}</ref> Other Democrats mentioned are State Representative [[Eric Croft]], a reformer who garnered attention when he sought the governorship in 2006; state Senators Hollis French and Johnny Ellis; and state Representative Scott Kawasaki are also on the list of Democratic prospects.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ted Stevens – and Senate GOP – in Trouble |url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20070731/cm_thenation/45218868 |work=[[The Nation]] |date=2007-07-30 |accessdate=2007-05-29}}</ref> On [[October 19]], [[2007]], the AP reported that despite the allegations and FBI probe, several veteran GOP Senators—including [[Orrin Hatch]] (R-UT), [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] (R-TX), and [[Kit Bond]] (R-MO)—donated enough money to Stevens's re-election campaign to make it one of Stevens's most successful fund raising quarters ever.<ref>{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Apuzzo |title=Senators back Stevens despite FBI probe |url=http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2007/10/senators_back_stevens_despite.php |work=[[Associated Press]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |date=2007-08-19 |accessdate=2007-08-19 }}></ref> ====Saxby Chambliss of Georgia==== {{main|United States Senate election in Georgia, 2008}} In 2002, Republican Senator [[Saxby Chambliss]] defeated Democratic incumbent [[Max Cleland]], a decorated disabled [[Vietnam veteran]]. Chambliss will seek reelection in 2008. As of December 2007, Chambliss has an approval rating of 53%, with 34% disapproval rating according to Strategic Vision, a Republican polling firm.<ref>[http://www.strategicvision.biz/political/georgia_poll_121207.htm strategicvision.biz]</ref> Democrat and [[Vietnam War]] veteran [[Jim Martin]] has also announced his entry into the race. Martin is The Democratic Georgia Commissioner of Human Resources, former General Assembly member, and 2006 candidate for Lieutenant Governor. He declared his entry [[March 19]] [[2008]].<ref>[http://georgiaunfiltered.blogspot.com/2008/03/jim-martin-announces-more-than-240000.html Jim Martin announces more than $240,000 raised]</ref>, [[Vernon Jones]], CEO of [[Dekalb County, Georgia|Dekalb County]], has indicated an interest in running and is canvassing the state to determine voters' concerns. Jones is African-American and a conservative Democrat who voted for George W. Bush in 2004.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ty |last=Tagami |title=DeKalb CEO fund-raiser may test Senate campaign waters |url=http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/stories/2007/02/12/0213jones.html |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=2007-02-13 |accessdate=2007-02-13 }}</ref> Veteran [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]] investigative journalist [[Dale Cardwell]] declared his candidacy in June 2007. The political newcomer [[Rand Knight]], an ecologist and businessman, declared his candidacy on [[June 7]], [[2008]]. Rand has earned the endorsements of former Congresswoman Denise Majette as well as the Georgia AFL-CIO. This is the first time in Georgia history that a candidate for federal office with no elected experience has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} Josh Lanier, a Vietnam veteran and former congressional aide to former Sen. [[Herman Talmadge]] (D-GA), has also announced that he will run for the Democratic nomination.<ref>[http://www.peachpundit.com/2008/01/26/josh-lanier-will-run-for-us-senate/ Josh Lanier Will Run For U.S. Senate]</ref> Libertarian Allen Buckley is a declared candidate,<ref>[http://www.lp.org/candidates/article_120.shtml lp.org]</ref> along with frequent candidate Eleanor Garcia of the Socialist Workers Party.<ref>[http://www.politics1.com/ga.htm politics1.com]</ref> ====Pat Roberts of Kansas==== {{main|United States Senate election in Kansas, 2008}} Senator [[Pat Roberts]] has indicated that he will seek re-election. Although [[Kansas]] has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1932, former Democratic Congressman and army veteran [[Jim Slattery]] has been nominated to run against Roberts. Pat Roberts currently has an approval rating of 56%.<ref>[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=937b1d64-bf06-46a2-b1c8-f2e0c24909a1/surveyusa.com SurveyUSA News Poll #12482<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ====Mitch McConnell of Kentucky==== {{main|United States Senate election in Kentucky, 2008}} Democrats have made Senate [[Minority Leader]], four-term Senator [[Mitch McConnell]] of [[Kentucky]] a target due to his leadership of Senate Republicans and his ties to President Bush, as well as his mediocre approval rating in the state, which is below 50%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=2af0e9e9-1367-4a5e-a14e-ceea49e93fff |title= Results of SurveyUSA News Poll #12351 |accessdate=2007-08-02 |date=2006-07-25 |publisher=[[SurveyUSA]]}}</ref> [[Army veteran]]/Businessman [[Bruce Lunsford]], who lost the 2007 Democratic gubernatorial primary to now-Governor [[Steve Beshear]], is now the Democratic nominee and appears to have the backing of the [[Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee|DSCC]]. ====Susan Collins of Maine==== {{main|United States Senate election in Maine, 2008}} In [[Maine]], [[Susan Collins]] has informed the ''Lewiston Sun Journal'' that she intends to seek another term.<ref>{{cite news |first=David |last=Farmer |title=Collins to seek 3rd term |url=http://www.sunjournal.com/story/180005-3/MaineNews/Collins_to_seek_3rd_term/ |work=[[Sun Journal]] |date=2006-10-13 |accessdate=2007-02-05 }}</ref> Collins is likely to start as a strong favorite.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=37b64ca9-a17f-4a7b-b3fb-9acbc3d3bf2c |title= Results of SurveyUSA News Poll #11141 |accessdate=2007-02-05 |date=2006-11-22 |work= |publisher=[[SurveyUSA]] }}</ref> Also in her favor is the landslide re-election of Maine's senior Senator, [[Olympia Snowe]], who had the largest margin of victory of any GOP Senate candidate - besides the largely unopposed [[Dick Lugar]] (R-IN) - in the 2006 election cycle. Collins was re-elected with 58% of the vote in 2002 over State Sen. [[Chellie Pingree]]. Sen. [[Joe Lieberman]], citing his status as an [[independent (politician)|independent]], endorsed Sen. Collins in her [[2008]] re-election bid. On [[May 8]], [[2007]], Rep. [[Tom Allen]] ([[Maine's 1st congressional district|ME-1]]) announced his candidacy on [http://www.tomallen.org/ his website]. He had already expressed interest in running and had been building the apparatus necessary to wage a Senate campaign.<ref>{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Duran |title=Allen Ponders 2008 Senate Race |url=http://www.rollcall.com/issues/52_56/politics/16249-1.html |work=Roll Call |date=[[December 12]], [[2006]] |accessdate=2007-02-15 }}</ref> On the same day a poll was released by Critical Insights, an independent polling firm in Portland, ME, which showed Sen. Collins as the clear early favorite, with Collins leading Allen 57% to 30%, and another poll shows Collins with a lead of 57% to 32%. On [[June 10]], [[2008]], Allen defeated Thomas Ledue, an educator from [[Springvale, Maine]], to win the Democratic nomination. On [[May 16]], [[2008]], [http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/maine/election_2008_maine_senate2 Rasmussen Reports] published a new poll showing Collins' lead has shrunk to 10 points, 52% to 42%. ====Norm Coleman of Minnesota==== {{main|United States Senate election in Minnesota, 2008}} Senator [[Norm Coleman]] won a tight contest in 2002 against [[Walter Mondale]] (former US [[Vice President of the United States|vice president]]) after incumbent [[Paul Wellstone]] of the [[Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party]] (DFL), died in an October plane crash. In 2006, popular Republican Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] barely won re-election, Democrat [[Amy Klobuchar]] defeated retiring Republican representative [[Mark Kennedy (politician)|Mark Kennedy]] in a senate race, and the DFL party took large majorities in the [[Minnesota State Legislature|State House]], gaining 19 seats, and made further gains in the state senate. Six-term Republican representative [[Gil Gutknecht]] was also defeated that year. A December 2007 poll showed Coleman's approval rating among Minnesota voters as 53%.<ref>[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=06a4642a-85b1-4c38-b31d-a222f0f39c41/ Survey USA]</ref> Comedian and former radio talk show host [[Al Franken]] confirmed on the final broadcast of his radio show on [[Air America Radio|Air America]], [[February 14]], [[2007]], that he will run for the Senate seat in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |first=Dane |last=Smith |title=Franken jumps into Senate race |url=http://www.startribune.com/587/story/1002254.html |work=[[Minneapolis Star Tribune]] |date=[[February 14]], [[2007]] |accessdate=2007-02-15 }}</ref> He had publicly speculated about running for some time and in 2005, he established the [[Midwest Values PAC]] to lay the groundwork for that campaign. [[Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer]], a professor at the [[University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)|University of St. Thomas]] (St. Paul, Minnesota), joined the race in October 2007.<ref>[http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/11760986.html startribune.com]</ref> Attorney [[Mike Ciresi]], who lost to [[Mark Dayton]] in the 2000 Democratic senate primary, was considered (along with Franken) most likely to become the Democratic nominee. However, Ciresi withdrew from the race on [[March 10]] [[2008]].<ref>[http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/ciresi-steps-aside-for-franken-2008-03-10.html Ciresi out; Al Franken's path to nomination clearing]</ref> The [[2008 Republican National Convention]] is being held in the capital city of [[St. Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]], where Coleman was once Mayor (elected in 1993 as a moderate-to-conservative DFLer and re-elected in 1997 as a Republican). On [[June 12]], [[2007]], Joe Repya announced that he is considering challenging Coleman in the Republican primary. The previous week Repya ran for election of the chair of the Minnesota GOP. He lost that election. Repya, a retired lieutenant colonel, is a pro-Iraq War activist and formerly advised Coleman on military and veterans issues in his 2002 campaign.<ref>{{cite news |first=Aaron |last=Blake|title=Coleman faces challenge from his former adviser |url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/coleman-faces-challenge--from-his-former-adviser-2007-06-13.html |work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |publisher=[[Capitol Hill Publishing Corp.]] |date=2007-06-13 |accessdate=2007-06-13 }}</ref> Ultimately, Repya did not file to run. [[Michael Cavlan]] the 2006 [[Green Party (United States)|Green Party]] candidate for the [[United States Senate]] is running again in 2008. {{Fact|date=October 2007}} Former Governor [[Jesse Ventura]] has also speculated he would run as an [[Independent (politician)|Independent]] in 2008, but the day before filing, Ventura decided not to run.<ref>[http://cnnwire.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/14/ventura-isnt-running-for-senate/ "Ventura Isn't Running For Senate"], via CNN.com</ref> Former U.S Senator [[Dean Barkley]] has announced he will run as an Independence Party candidate.<ref>[http://kstp.com/article/stories/s510995.shtml?cat=1 kstp.com]</ref><ref>[http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/15/2566/daily_glean_jesse_the_diva_gives_way_to_bravado-lite_barkley Jesse the Diva Gives Way To Bravado Lite Barkely], minnpost.com</ref> Ultimately, Repya, Cavlan and Ventura did not file to run for the office. Ventura announced his decision not to run soon before the deadline, and several other Independence Party candidates filed to run quickly after his announcement, including former U.S. Senator [[Dean Barkley]] and former state party chair Jack Uldrich. Early polling showed Coleman with a large lead over prospective Democratic opponents. <ref>http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=d1813922-2443-4de8-9c3d-625b94684469</ref> <ref>http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=d83de67b-43c2-485f-95b7-27e17b3691f6/</ref> <ref>http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=6268424d-fbb9-4bb8-8667-d383a80359ce</ref> <ref>http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=f8fa026b-16e1-484d-9d86-51ca9b9cf40d</ref> <ref>http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=d1813922-2443-4de8-9c3d-625b94684469</ref> <ref>http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=d83de67b-43c2-485f-95b7-27e17b3691f6/</ref> Since then, the senate race in Minnesota has been one of the more hotly contested this year. A [[January 29]] [[Minnesota Public Radio]] poll showed the first lead for Franken over Coleman.<ref>''See [[Minnesota United States Senate election, 2008#Polling]]''</ref> As of mid-July, an average of polls showed Coleman with a seven-point lead over Franken. <ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/44364.html</ref> The deadline to file to run for the office was July 15. As of the deadline, 18 candidates had filed to run, including seven from the DFL Party, two from the Republican Party, seven from the Independence Party, and one each from the Libertarian Party and Constitution Party. <ref>http://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_9892439</ref> <ref>www.sos.state.mn.us</ref> ====Thad Cochran of Mississippi==== {{main|United States Senate election in Mississippi, 2008}} Incumbent Senator [[Thad Cochran]] has announced that he will seek re-election for a sixth term.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nrsc.org/news/Read.aspx?ID=647 |title= Senator Thad Cochran Announces Intent To Seek Re-Election |publisher=Nation Republican Senatorial Committee (nrsc.org)]}}</ref> Cochran, who has not faced serious opposition since he was reelected in [[United States Senate elections, 1984|1984]], will face Democrat [[Erik R. Fleming]]. ====Roger Wicker of Mississippi==== {{main|United States Senate special election in Mississippi, 2008}} [[Roger Wicker]], formerly the representative of [[Mississippi's 1st congressional district]], was appointed by [[List of Governors of Mississippi|Governor]] [[Haley Barbour]] on [[December 31]][[2007]], to fill the vacancy caused by the [[December 18]] resignation of [[Trent Lott]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=4069254 |publisher=ABC News |title=Miss. Congressman Replacing Sen. Lott}}</ref><ref name="Lott resigns">{{cite web |url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002646810 |publisher=CQ Politics |title=Lott Officially Resigns, All Eyes Now on Barbour}}</ref> It has been speculated that Lott wished to resign before a new lobbying reform law, effective the first day of 2008, took effect; having resigned before the end of 2007 Lott may become a lobbyist in 2009 instead of 2010.<ref name="Lott resigns"/> Controversy arose when Barbour called for the special election to be held on the same day as the general election. As a result, Mississippi's Attorney General [[Jim Hood]] challenged Barbour in court, claiming that the special election needed to be held within 100 days of Lott's resignation, as per state law.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=7568072&nav=menu119_3 |publisher=WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: |title=Hood Files Suit to Have Special Election Earlier}}</ref> Initially, a Mississippi Circuit Court judge sided with Hood, ruling that the election take place on or before [[March 19]][[2008]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/01/miss-judge-canc.html |title=Miss. judge cancels special election to replace Lott |publisher=USATODAY.com}}</ref> However, Barbour filed an appeal to the [[Mississippi Supreme Court]], which overturned the earlier ruling and set the special election for [[November 4]][[2008]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=7690497&nav=menu119_2 |publisher=WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: |title=Barbour's Attorney Appeals Special-Elex Ruling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/mississippi-supreme-court-sets-election-for-november-2008-02-06.html |title=Mississippi Supreme Court sets election for November}}</ref> Democratic former governor [[Ronnie Musgrove]] will challenge Wicker. Another Democrat, former congressman [[Ronnie Shows]], also filed to run, but he withdrew in [[February 2008]] and endorsed Mugsrove.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080105/NEWS/80105003 |title=Former Rep. Shows running for Lott's seat |publisher=clarionledger.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sunherald.com/306/story/380141.html |title=Shows drops out of race to replace Lott}}</ref> There will be no special primary election for this race; if the top candidate does not get a majority of the votes, a runoff election with the top two candidates will be held on [[November 25]][[2008]]. ====John Sununu of New Hampshire==== {{main|United States Senate election in New Hampshire, 2008}} Senator [[John E. Sununu|John Sununu]] represents the swing state of [[New Hampshire]]. The state traditionally leaned Republican, but [[John Kerry]] from neighboring Massachusetts narrowly won here in the 2004 Presidential election. New Hampshire also saw major Democratic gains in the 2006 elections, when Democrats took both of the previously Republican-held House seats, the gubernatorial race with a record vote share of 74%, and majorities in the State [[New Hampshire House of Representatives|House]] and [[New Hampshire Senate|Senate]], giving them concurrent control of both bodies for the first time since 1874. However, New Hampshire has not elected a Democratic United States Senator since 1975. However, Sununu's 2002 opponent, former Governor [[Jeanne Shaheen]], has decided to run and is generally considered to be a very formidable challenger.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3602912 abcnews.go.com]</ref> Three consecutive monthly Rasmussen Reports poll show Shaheen defeating Sununu by 49% to 41%.<ref>[http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_hampshire/election_2008_new_hampshire_senate Rasmussen Reports on New Hampshire]</ref> Prior to Shaheen's entry, [[Portsmouth, New Hampshire|Portsmouth]] Mayor [[Steve Marchand]],<ref>{{cite news |first=Shir |last=Haberman |title=Marchand says he'll run for Senate |url=http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/01112007/nhnews-ph-por-marchand.runs.html |work=[[The Portsmouth Herald]] |date=2007-01-11 |accessdate=2007-02-06 }}</ref> [[Katrina Swett]], wife of former Democratic congressman [[Richard Swett]],<ref>{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Moskowitz |title=Swett plans campaign for U.S. Senate |url=http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070119/REPOSITORY/701190342/1043/48HOURS |work=[[Concord Monitor]] |date=2007-01-19 |accessdate=2007-02-06 }}</ref> and former astronaut [[Jay Buckey]]<ref>{{cite news |title=NH-Sen: Jay Buckey's Out|url=http://www.bluehampshire.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3505 |work=[[Blue Hampshire]] |dat=2008-02-13 |accessdate=2007-02-15 }}</ref> had announced that they were running for the Democratic nomination. After Shaheen's entry, however, all three withdrew and endorsed the former governor. :Recent poll: Rasmussen 5/2/08: Shaheen 51%, Sununu 43% ====Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina==== {{main|United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2008}} In [[North Carolina]], there had been rumors that Senator [[Elizabeth Dole]] would retire from the Senate and run for [[Governor of North Carolina|governor]], but she said in 2006 that she intends to run for re-election.<ref>{{cite news |first=Rob |last=Christensen |title=Mary Easley has active public life, but she's no Hillary Clinton |url=http://www.newsobserver.com/659/story/449646.html |work=[[The News & Observer]] |date=2006-06-12 |accessdate=2007-02-05 }}</ref> There was early speculation that North Carolina Governor [[Mike Easley]] might be pressured into running against her but this did not come to pass.<ref>{{cite news |author=Dan Kane |coauthors=Rob Christensen and J. Andrew Curliss |title=Poll puts Easley over Dole |url=http://www.newsobserver.com/659/story/535828.html |work=[[The News & Observer]] |date=2007-01-25 |accessdate=2007-02-05 }}</ref> The Democratic nominee is state Senator [[Kay R. Hagan]],<ref>[http://projects.newsobserver.com/blogs/hagan_to_run Hagan to run | newsobserver.com projects<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> who defeated Jim Neal and Dustin Lassiter in the Primary. A Rasmussen poll released [[May 11]] [[2008]] showed Hagan leading Dole by a statistically insignificant margin, 48% - 47%,<ref>[http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/north_carolina/election_2008_north_carolina_senate rasmussenreports.com on North Carolina]</ref> suggesting a competitive race. ====Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma==== {{main|United States Senate election in Oklahoma, 2008}} In [[Oklahoma]], Senator [[Jim Inhofe]] has announced that he will seek a third full term. A September 2007 poll put Inhofe's approval rating at 47%, with 41% disapproving of his performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollTrack.aspx?g=7e53e4b6-1473-4716-a3ba-410dff324733 |title= OK Sr Sen Approval |accessdate=2007-10-19 |date=2007-09-27 |publisher=[[SurveyUSA]] }}</ref> State Senator [[Andrew Rice]] announced he will run against Inhofe.<ref>[http://www.kotv.com/news/local/story/?id=132962 NewsOn6.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ====Gordon Smith of Oregon==== {{main|United States Senate election in Oregon, 2008}} Senator [[Gordon Smith]] of [[Oregon]] is running for a third term, and may be vulnerable. He defeated ophthalmologist Gordon Leitch<ref name=leitch>{{cite web|url=http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/may202008/guide/cand/leitc_g.html|title=Oregon Voter's Guide: Gordon Leitch|publisher=Oregon Secretary of State|accessdate=2008-05-08}}</ref> in the [[May 20]] [[Oregon Republican primary, 2008|Republican primary]]. Smith will face [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] [[Oregon House of Representatives]] Speaker [[Jeff Merkley]] in the November general election. Merkley beat longtime Democratic activist [[Steve Novick]] and three other candidates in a [[Oregon Democratic primary, 2008|hotly contested primary]].<ref> {{cite news |last=Walsh |first=Edward |title=Merkley scores chance to take on Smith |work=[[The Oregonian]] |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1211352909172240.xml&coll=7 |date=2008-05-21 |accessdate=2008-05-21}}</ref> ====Lindsey Graham of South Carolina==== {{main|United States Senate election in South Carolina, 2008}} Senator [[Lindsey Graham]], as a popular Republican incumbent in strongly conservative [[South Carolina]], is unlikely to be vulnerable to a Democratic challenge. Graham's support for a compromise immigration bill, however, drew an angry response from many South Carolina conservatives, who recruited [[Buddy Witherspoon]], a former [[South Carolina Republican Party]] leader, to challenge Graham for the nomination. Graham easily bested Witherspoon in the [[June 10]] primary. <ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i23h4XqvR0Ph96aWYyZ4PgI54YCwD917PSEG0 Graham beats GOP challenger in SC Senate primary]</ref> First-time candidate Bob Conley is the Democratic nominee. <ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iwcaSiECkybS5TyWgUa4bPD3m8qAD91BFIHO0 US Senate primary recount: Conley to face Graham]</ref> The South Carolina [[Working Families Party]] has nominated Michael Cone, who also ran for the Democratic nomination. This is the first time the party has nominated a candidate for statewide office. <ref>[http://www.ballot-access.org/2008/05/21/south-carolina-working-families-party-nominates/ Ballot Access News » Blog Archive » South Carolina Working Families Party Nominates<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ====Lamar Alexander of Tennessee==== {{main|United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2008}} Former Governor and U.S. Secretary of Education [[Lamar Alexander]] was elected in [[United States Senate elections, 2002|2002]] to succeed retiring Senator [[Fred Thompson]]. He has announced he will seek a second term in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |title=Alexander Running Again, Sets Fundraiser |url=http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_104845.asp |work=The Chattanoogan|publisher= |date=2007-04-03 |accessdate=2007-04-06 }}</ref> He is unopposed in the Republican primary. Seven candidates have filed for the Democratic nomination including [[Bob Tuke]], former Chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party, and [[Mike Padgett]], the former [[Knox County]] Clerk. 2006 Green Party Senate nominee [[Chris Lugo]] originally announced as a Democrat but dropped out of the Democratic race before the filing deadline. He filed as an independent and was subsequently named as the Green Party nominee<ref>[http://www.opednews.com/articles/genera_chris_lu_080506_green_party_of_tenne.htm opednews.com].</ref> Also in the race is [[Edward Buck]]. Daniel Lewis is running as a Libertarian candidate for the United States Senate. He was certified [[March 3]] [[2008]] by the Tennessee Division of Elections as having achieved ballot access for the [[November 4]] [[2008]] election as a candidate for United States Senate. The Libertarian Party of Tennessee officially selected Daniel Lewis as their candidate for United States Senate on Saturday [[March 8]] [[2008]] the at their annual convention held in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Lewis is currently serving as the chairman of the Libertarian Party of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. He ran for the Tennessee House in 2004.<ref>{{cite news |title=Daniel Lewis Is Libertarian Candidate For U.S. Senate |url=http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_123689.asp| work=The Chattanoogan|date=2007-03-10 |accessdate=2007-03-12 }}</ref> Also reported to be in the race are [[David "None of the Above" Gatchell]] a ballot activist & frequent candidate and [[Emory "Bo" Heyward]] (Independent), a software company employee, conservative activist & 2006 candidate. ====John Cornyn of Texas==== {{main|United States Senate election in Texas, 2008}} [[Texas]] has not elected a Democrat in a statewide election since 1994, but according to recent Rasmussen polling Senator [[John Cornyn]] has an approval rating of 50%.<ref>[http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/texas/election_2008_texas_senate Rasmussen Reports on Texas]</ref> [[Texas House of Representatives]] member/[[Afganistan War]] [[veteran]] [[Rick Noriega]] secured his place as Cornyn's Democratic challenger in the March 4 primary, beating out opponents Gene Kelly, Ray McMurrey, and Rhett Smith. The same Rasmussen poll shows Cornyn leading Noriega by a narrow four percentage points - 47% to 43% - suggesting that this race may prove to be unexpectedly competitive. However, most polls have shown a much wider margin. Christian activist [[Larry Kilgore]] of Mansfield, Texas, was a Republican challenger for the March 2008 primary election, but Cornyn easily won the Republican primary.<ref>[http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-ussenate_05pol.ART.State.Edition2.46a563a.html Noriega avoids runoff in Senate bid; Cornyn wins easily], Dallas Morning News</ref> There are three Libertarians, including 2006 LP senate nominee Scott Jameson, running for their party's nomination.<ref>[http://www.tx.lp.org/candidates.shtml Libertarian Party of Texas<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In addition, the Green Party of Texas is seeking ballot access for its candidate David B. Collins.<ref>[http://txgreens.org/drupal/node/43 txgreens.org]</ref> :Recent Polling: Rasmussen [[June 9]] [[2008]]: Cornyn 52%, Noriega 35% ====Michael Enzi of Wyoming==== {{main|United States Senate elections in Wyoming, 2008}} Senator [[Mike Enzi]] is likely to be re-elected without significant opposition for a third term in strongly Republican [[Wyoming]]. ====John Barrasso of Wyoming==== {{main|United States Senate elections in Wyoming, 2008}} [[John Barrasso]] was appointed by Governor [[Dave Freudenthal]] (D) on [[June 22]] [[2007]] to fill the senate seat of Republican [[Craig L. Thomas]], who died on [[June 4]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.trib.com/articles/2007/06/22/news/top_story/doc467bf1c2e5a80822750093.txt | title= Governor picks Barrasso | publisher=Casper Star-Tribune | date=2007-06-22 | accessdate=2007-06-22}}</ref> Wyoming law requires that the interim senator be affiliated with the same political party as the departed senator. Barrasso is running in the [[November 8]][[2008]] special election, which will be held on the day of the [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 presidential election]], to serve out the remainder of Thomas' term, which expires in January 2013.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/2007/06/senate_mourns_death_of_wyoming.html | title=Senate Mourns Death of Wyoming Republican Craig Thomas | publisher=CQ Politics | author=Martin Kady II | date=[[2007-06-05]] | accessdate=2007-06-05}}</ref> On the Democratic side, [[Casper, Wyoming|Casper]] City Councilman Keith Goodenough has announced his candidacy.<ref>[http://www.kulr8.com/news/wyoming/16099422.html Goodenough announces Senate bid against Barrasso | KULR-8 TELEVISION - Billings, Montana | Wyoming State News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==Summary table== {| class="wikitable table" |- ! State ! Incumbent Senator ! 2008 Election Status ! Democratic Candidate ! Republican Candidate ! Other Candidates ! Previous Election Results<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2002/senate.htm |title=Federal Elections: Previous U.S. Senate Results |accessdate=2007-02-05 |publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]] }}</ref> |- | [[United States Senate election in Alabama, 2008|AL]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Jeff Sessions]] | Running for Re-election | nowrap | [[Vivian Davis Figures]] | Jeff Sessions | Darryl W. Perry (W-I) | '''Jeff Sessions (R) 59%''' <br> [[Susan Parker]] (D) 40% <br>Other 1% |- | [[United States Senate election in Alaska, 2008|AK]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Ted Stevens]] | Running for Re-election | Nels Anderson <br> [[Mark Begich]] <br> [[Ray Metcalfe]] <br> Frank Vondersaar | Ted Stevens <br> Dave Cuddy <br> Jerry Heikes | nowrap | Ted Gianoutsos (Vet) <br> Fredrick D. "David" Haase (L) <br> Robert Mario "Bob" Bird (AIP) <br> Paul Kendall (I) <br> Lance Merrick (I) | nowrap | '''Ted Stevens (R) 78%''' <br> Frank Vondersaar (D) 11% <br>[[Jim Sykes]] (G) 8% <br> Other 3% |- | [[United States Senate election in Arkansas, 2008|AR]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[Mark Pryor]] | Running for Re-election | Mark Pryor | | nowrap | Rebekah Kennedy (G) <br> Don Hamrick (I) | [[Tim Hutchinson]] (R) 46% <br> '''Mark Pryor (D) 54% ''' |- | [[United States Senate election in Colorado, 2008|CO]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Wayne Allard]] | bgcolor = "lightgrey" | Retiring | Mark Benner <br> [[Mark Udall]] | Vincent Martinez <br> [[Bob Schaffer]] | Bob Kinsey (G) <br> Buddy Moore (I) | '''Wayne Allard (R) 51%''' <br> [[Tom Strickland]] (D) 46% <br> Other 3% |- | [[United States Senate election in Delaware, 2008|DE]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[Joe Biden]] | Running for Re-election | Joe Biden | Christine O'Donnell | | '''Joe Biden (D) 58%''' <br> Raymond Clatworthy (R) 41% <br> Other 1% |- | [[United States Senate election in Georgia, 2008|GA]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Saxby Chambliss]] | Running for Re-election | [[Dale Cardwell]] <br> [[Vernon Jones]] <br> Rand Knight <br> Josh Lanier <br> [[Jim Martin (Georgia politician)|Jim Martin]] | Saxby Chambliss | Allen Buckley (L) <br> Eleanor Garcia (SW) | [[Max Cleland]] (D) 46% <br> '''Saxby Chambliss (R) 53%''' <br>Other 1% |- | [[United States Senate election in Idaho, 2008|ID]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Larry Craig]] | bgcolor = "lightgrey" | Retiring | [[Larry LaRocco]] | [[Jim Risch]] | Kent Marmon (L) <br> Pro-Life (I) <br> Rex Rammell (I) | '''Larry Craig (R) 65%''' <br> [[Alan Blinken]] (D) 33% <br> Other 2% |- | [[United States Senate election in Illinois, 2008|IL]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[Dick Durbin]] | Running for Re-election | Dick Durbin | [[Steve Sauerberg]] | Kathy Cummings (G) <br> Larry Stafford (L) <br> Chad Koppie (C) <br> Betsy Farley (W-I) | '''Dick Durbin (D) 60%''' <br> [[Jim Durkin]] (R) 38% <br> Other 2% |- | [[United States Senate election in Iowa, 2008|IA]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[Tom Harkin]] | Running for Re-election | Tom Harkin | nowrap|Christopher Reed | Diana Newberry (SW) | '''Tom Harkin (D) 54%''' <br> [[Greg Ganske]] (R) 44% <br> Other 2% |- | [[United States Senate election in Kansas, 2008|KS]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Pat Roberts]] | Running for Re-election | Lee Jones<br>[[Jim Slattery]] | Pat Roberts | Joseph L. Martin (Ref) <br> Randall L. Hodgkinson (L) | '''Pat Roberts (R) 83%''' <br> Steven Rosile (L) 9% <br> George Cook (Reform) 8% |- | [[United States Senate election in Kentucky, 2008|KY]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Mitch McConnell]] | Running for Re-election | [[Bruce Lunsford]] | Mitch McConnell | Sonny Landham (L) | nowrap | '''Mitch McConnell (R) 65%''' <br> Lois Combs Weinberg (D) 35% |- | [[United States Senate election in Louisiana, 2008|LA]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[Mary Landrieu]] | Running for Re-election | Mary Landrieu | [[John N. Kennedy|John Kennedy]] | | '''Mary Landrieu (D) 52%''' <br> [[Suzanne Haik Terrell]] (R) 48% |- | [[United States Senate election in Maine, 2008|ME]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Susan Collins]] | Running for Re-election | [[Tom Allen]] | Susan Collins | Laurie Dobson (I)<br>Herb Hoffman (I) | '''Susan Collins (R) 58%''' <br> [[Chellie Pingree]] (D) 42% |- | [[United States Senate election in Massachusetts, 2008|MA]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[John Kerry]] | Running for Re-election | John Kerry <br> Ed O'Reilly | Jeff Beatty | Robert Underwood (L) <br> William Estrada (SW) <br> Mary Jean J. Charbonneau (I) | '''John Kerry (D) 80%''' <br> [[Michael Cloud]] (L) 18% <br> Other 2% |- | [[United States Senate election in Michigan, 2008|MI]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[Carl Levin]] | Running for Re-election | Carl Levin | [[Jack Hoogendyk]] | Anthony America (G) <br> Scotty Boman (L) <br> Michael N. Nikitin (USTP) | '''Carl Levin (D) 60%''' <br> Andrew Raczkowski (R) 38% <br> Other 2% |- | [[United States Senate election in Minnesota, 2008|MN]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Norm Coleman]] | Running for Re-election | [[Al Franken]] <br> Dick Franson | Norm Coleman <br> Jack Shepard | nowrap | [[Michael Cavlan]] (G) <br> [[Thomas Harens]] (G) <br> Ernest Mailhot (SW) <br> Stephen Williams (MIP) | [[Walter Mondale]] (D) 47% <br> '''Norm Coleman (R) 50%''' <br> Other 3% |- | [[United States Senate elections in Mississippi, 2008|MS]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Thad Cochran]] | Running for Re-election | [[Erik R. Fleming|Erik Fleming]] | Thad Cochran | | '''Thad Cochran (R) 85%''' <br> Shawn O'Hara (Reform) 15% |- | [[United States Senate elections in Mississippi, 2008|MS]]* | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Roger Wicker]] | Running for Election | [[Ronnie Musgrove]] | Roger Wicker | | '''[[Trent Lott]] (R) 64%''' <br> Erik Fleming (D) 35% |- | [[United States Senate election in Montana, 2008|MT]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[Max Baucus]] | Running for Re-election | Max Baucus | Bob Kelleher | | '''Max Baucus (D) 63%''' <br> [[Mike Taylor]] (R) 32% <br> Other 5% |- | [[United States Senate election in Nebraska, 2008|NE]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Chuck Hagel]] | bgcolor = "lightgrey" | Retiring | [[Scott Kleeb]] | [[Mike Johanns]] | Steve Larrick (G) <br> Kelly Rosberg (Neb) | '''Chuck Hagel (R) 83%''' <br> Charlie Matulka (D) 15% <br> Other 2% |- | [[United States Senate election in New Hampshire, 2008|NH]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[John E. Sununu|John Sununu]] | Running for Re-election | [[Jeanne Shaheen]] | John Sununu | Bea Francoeur (L) <br> Kenneth E. "Ken" Blevens (I) <br> Shawn Paul Girard (I) | '''John Sununu (R) 51%''' <br> [[Jeanne Shaheen]] (D) 46% <br> Other 3% |- | [[United States Senate election in New Jersey, 2008|NJ]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[Frank Lautenberg]] | Running for Re-election | Frank Lautenberg | [[Dick Zimmer (New Jersey politician)|Dick Zimmer]] | [[Anthony Fisher]] (I) <br> Sara Lobman (SW) <br> Jason Scheurer (L) <br> Jeffrey Boss (I) <br> Daryl Mikell Brooks (I) J. M. Carter (I) | '''Frank Lautenberg (D) 54%''' <br> [[Doug Forrester]] (R) 44% <br> Other 2% |- | [[United States Senate election in New Mexico, 2008|NM]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Pete Domenici]] | bgcolor = "lightgrey" | Retiring | [[Tom Udall]] | [[Steve Pearce]] | Zach W. Boatman (I) | '''Pete Domenici (R) 65%''' <br> Gloria Tristani (D) 35% |- | [[United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2008|NC]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Elizabeth Dole]] | Running for Re-election | [[Kay Hagan]] | Elizabeth Dole | Chris cole (L) | '''Elizabeth Dole (R) 54%''' <br> [[Erskine Bowles]] (D) 45% <br> Other 1% |- | [[United States Senate election in Oklahoma, 2008|OK]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Jim Inhofe]] | Running for Re-election | [[Andrew Rice]] | Jim Inhofe | Stephen Paul Wallace (I) | '''Jim Inhofe (R) 57%''' <br> [[David Walters]] (D) 36% <br> [[James Germalic]] (I) 6% <br> Other 1% |- | [[United States Senate election in Oregon, 2008|OR]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Gordon Smith]] | Running for Re-election | [[Jeff Merkley]] | Gordon Smith | David Brownlow (Const) | '''Gordon Smith (R) 56%''' <br> [[Bill Bradbury]] (D) 40% <br> Other 4% |- | [[United States Senate election in Rhode Island, 2008|RI]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[Jack Reed]] | Running for Re-election | Jack Reed | Robert Tingle | | '''Jack Reed (D) 78%''' <br> Robert Tingle (R) 22% |- | [[United States Senate election in South Carolina, 2008|SC]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Lindsey Graham]] | Running for Re-election | Bob Conley | Lindsey Graham | Michael Cone (WF) <br> Mark McBride (I) | '''Lindsey Graham (R) 54%''' <br> [[Alex Sanders (politician)|Alex Sanders]] (D) 44% <br> Other 2% |- | [[United States Senate election in South Dakota, 2008|SD]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[Tim Johnson (politician)|Tim Johnson]] | Running for Re-election | Tim Johnson | [[Joel Dykstra]] | Joseph L. Pengitore (I) | '''Tim Johnson (D) 50%''' <br> [[John Thune]] (R) 49% <br> Other 1% |- | [[United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2008|TN]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Lamar Alexander]] | Running for Re-election | Mark Clayton <br> Gary Davis <br> Kenneth Eaton <br> Charles Jackson <br> Leonard Ladner <br> Mike Padgett <br> Bob Tuke | Lamar Alexander | Chris Lugo (G) <br> Edward Buck (I) <br> Christopher Fenner (I) <br> David Gatchell (I) <br> Ed Lawhorn (I) <br> Daniel Lewis (I) | '''Lamar Alexander (R) 54%''' <br> [[Bob Clement]] (D) 44% <br> Other 2% |- | [[United States Senate election in Texas, 2008|TX]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[John Cornyn]] | Running for Re-election | [[Rick Noriega]] | John Cornyn | nowrap|Yvonne Adams Schick (L) <br> Alfred Adask (Const) <br> Jacquie Henderson (SWP) <br> Robert V. Belt (I) <br> Robert James Devine (I) <br> Michael R. Powell (I) <br> W. Leon Smith (I) <br> Randolph B. "Randy" Stripling (I) | '''John Cornyn (R) 55%''' <br> [[Ron Kirk]] (D) 43% <br> Other 2% |- | [[United States Senate election in Virginia, 2008|VA]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[John Warner]] | bgcolor = "lightgrey" | Retiring | [[Mark Warner]] | [[Jim Gilmore]] | William "Bill" Redpath (L) <br> Glenda Gail Parker (Ind G) <br> Ishah Wright (I) | '''John Warner (R) 83%''' <br> Nancy Spannaus (I) 10% <br> [[Jacob G. Hornberger]] (I) 7% |- | [[United States Senate election in West Virginia, 2008|WV]] | {{Party shading/Democratic}} | [[Jay Rockefeller]] | Running for Re-election | Jay Rockefeller | Jay Wolfe | | '''Jay Rockefeller (D) 63%''' <br> Jay Wolfe (R) 37% |- | [[United States Senate elections in Wyoming, 2008|WY]] | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[Mike Enzi]] | Running for Re-election | Al Hamburg <br> Chris Rothfuss | Mike Enzi | Jerry Dean Carter (I) | '''Mike Enzi (R) 73%''' <br> Joyce Jansa Corcoran (D) 27% |- | [[United States Senate elections in Wyoming, 2008|WY]]* | {{Party shading/Republican}} | [[John Barrasso]] | Running for Election | Nick Carter <br> Keith Goodenough | John Barrasso | | '''[[Craig L. Thomas|Craig Thomas]] (R) 70%''' <br> [[Dale Groutage]] (D) 30% |} ==Senate composition before and after elections== <center> {| class="wikitable" !colspan="25"|[[110th United States Congress|110th Congress]] Senate Composition |colspan="1" bgcolor="#EEEEEE"|&nbsp; !colspan="25"|[[111th United States Congress|111th Congress]] Senate Composition |------------------ <!-- row 1 of 4 --> |bgcolor="yellow"| |bgcolor="yellow"| |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |colspan="1" bgcolor="#EEEEEE"|&nbsp; <!-- divider --> |<center>''To Be Determined''</center> |------------------ <!-- row 2 of 4 --> |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |colspan="1" bgcolor="#EEEEEE"|&nbsp; <!-- divider --> |------------------ <!-- row 3 of 4 --> |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |colspan="1" bgcolor="#EEEEEE"|&nbsp; <!-- divider --> |------------------ <!-- row 4 of 4 --> |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |colspan="1" bgcolor="#EEEEEE"|&nbsp; <!-- divider --> |------------------ |colspan="51"| {| cellspacing="0" align="center" |- !width=100 | <small>Color Key:</small> |bgcolor={{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |width=100 |<small>'''= [[United States Republican Party|Republican]]'''</small> |bgcolor={{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|&nbsp; |width=100 |<small>'''= [[United States Democratic Party|Democratic]]'''</small> |bgcolor="yellow"|&nbsp; |width=100 |<small>'''= [[Independent (politician)|Independent]]'''</small> |} |} </center> ==See also== *[[United States House elections, 2008]] *[[United States presidential election, 2008]] *[[United States gubernatorial elections, 2008]] *[[United States Senate elections, 2006]] *[[United States Senate elections, 2010]] ==References== <!--See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes for an explanation of how to generate footnotes using the<ref> and </ref> tags and the tag below --> {{reflist|2}} ==External links== *[http://cookpolitical.com/races/senate/ratings.php Cook Political Report 2008 Senate Race Ratings] *[http://www.cqpolitics.com/ CQ Politics Senate Analysis] *[http://www.270towin.com/2008_senate_election/ Interactive Map of 2008 Senate Races] {{2008 U.S. elections}} {{US senate elections}} [[Category:United States Senate elections, 2008| ]] [[de:Wahlen zum Senat der Vereinigten Staaten 2008]] [[ms:Pilihan Raya Senat Amerika Syarikat 2008]]