[Chemist_Geek]

I thought they were supposed to stagger the Senate races so that only 1/3 would come up for election every 2 years, like 17 races every 2 years. That was supposed to insulate the Senate from the passions of the moment from having too great an effect on this "deliberative" body.

Err, there are 100 Senators, so 35 is not too far off from one third.

You are correct in that the long term and staggered elections were intended to "insulate" the Senate from the passions of the day. Originally, Senators were not elected by the people, but chosed by the State Legislatures, which insulated them even further from pandering to the electorate.

[Theodore R.]

Instead of 34, it is 35 because the MO race is for four years only. It is the unexpired term of the deceased Mel Carnahan.

[patriciaruth]

LOL! Flunked my math test for the day. There are TWO Senators from each of the FIFTY states.

Thanks for tactfully pointing out that I had slipped a cog.