The Senate races to watch in Republican bid to seize control

The LA Times ^ | July 4, 2014 | Mark Z. Barabak

[Din Maker]

Republicans are very likely to pick up open Senate seats in Montana, South Dakota and West Virginia. That leaves a six races to decide control of the Senate.

Alaska: Democrat Mark Begich is one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the country, winning in 2008 with just 48% of the vote. Dan Sullivan, a former head of the state's Department of Natural Resources and Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, both are strongly positioned to defeat Begich.

Arkansas: Democrat Mark Pryor won in 2008 with 80% support. The climate is much different this time, due to the overwhelming unpopularity of President Obama. Republican Rep. Tom Cotton, has managed to unify business, social conservative and tea party wings of the GOP.

Colorado: Democrat Mark Udall appeared to easily win reelection until GOP Rep. Cory Gardner entered the race. He's had to move toward the middle in a state that has been tough for the GOP the last few elections.

Georgia: A rare pickup opportunity for Democrats in Michelle Nunn, daughter of longtime Sen. Sam Nunn. Businessman David Perdue and Rep. Jack Kingston are in a July 22 runoff. Not impossible race for Nunn.

Iowa: Establishment Republicans got the candidate they wanted in state Sen. Joni Ernst, a less than sure-footed campaigner, but Democrat Rep. Bruce Braley also made some early mistakes.

Kentucky: Mitch McConnell blew past his tea party competition in the GOP primary but faces a stiff challenge from Democratic Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes.

Louisiana: Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu, is running against a crowded Republican field, which seems certain to push the contest to a Dec. 6 runoff. Rep. Bill Cassidy is seen as her strongest opponent.

See Article re: Michigan and North Carolina

[Din Maker]

If we vote for Cochran, we have submitted to, and endorsed betrayal of the worst kind. Many of us will not vote for Cochran and may actually cross over and vote Childers to do our damnedest to keep this treachery from paying off for the GOPe and it's affiliates.

You are exactly right! Problem is, will the people's anger at what Cochran and Barbour did last until November? Many of them will cool off and get back on the GOPe plantation. That's why people like Cochran and Barbour do this. They know that most people will forgive and forget. Same for Mitch McConnell. He can bash Conservatives and threaten to crush us in March because he knows the American people have short memories.

[Din Maker]

If we vote for Cochran, we have submitted to, and endorsed betrayal of the worst kind. Many of us will not vote for Cochran and may actually cross over and vote Childers to do our damnedest to keep this treachery from paying off for the GOPe and it's affiliates.

You are exactly right! Problem is, will the people's anger at what Cochran and Barbour did last until November? Many of them will cool off and get back on the GOPe plantation. That's why people like Cochran and Barbour do this. They know that most people will forgive and forget. Same for Mitch McConnell. He can bash Conservatives and threaten to crush us in March because he knows the American people have short memories.

[Impy]

I think Landrieu is an idiot. I’m more interested in beating the rats than in whining.

Stupid electoral system in Louisiana, I’d rather see a normal GOP primary held several months before the election.

[Din Maker]

Who controls the Senate might not be determined until December. I hope Mary Landrieu has some money because to be fat, ugly and broke would just be too much.

[Paladin2]

Why don,t you answer the question?

[murron]

We’re doomed. The fact that Roger Villere of the Louisiana Reputlican party is endorsing him in the primary doesn’t make it any better. There shouldn’t be an official endorsement in the primary when there are more than one Republican running. He’s also not pleasing to the eye on TV.

[murron]

I wish we did too.

[Paladin2]

Mitch - ""After years of overspending by both parties, it’s time to make tough choices, just as any family does when times are tough, even among very good things. We have to cut even from programs that are good, as difficult as it is, recognizing that the values we are fighting for in this debate are more fundamental than the survival of any one program. We need to face that fact that we don’t have the money. It is not an American value to borrow from others to pay for programs we don’t need and can’t afford. And it is not an American value to put off tough decisions because you refuse to say no to things you want. If there’s any good news in this debate, it’s that we’re finally beginning to talk about how much to cut in this town instead of how much to spend. But we’re going to need more people to join the fight. We’ll need Democrats to join us. Above all, we need a President who gets it." "

In other words, "I promise continue my General Blather."

[Paladin2]

Uh, you STILL have an open question to answer.

Please provide detail....

[Din Maker]

He’s also not pleasing to the eye on TV.
_____________________________________________________________

That’s what I was talking about. I didn’t hear Bill Cassidy on Hannity’s radio show, I saw him on Hannity’s TV show. Guy looks like a phony and a dufus.