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“I just hope that if there is going to be a nominee, I hope it’s now or within two or three weeks, because we’ve got to get this done before the election

There are 33 senate seats up for grabs in November, plus 2 more in special elections. There are 24 current democrat seats, 2 independent seats and 9 republican seats. Does anybody really think the democrats are going to finish the race with control of the senate? I say its almost impossible, even with an October surprise from the Rats.

There are eight republican seats that should stay republican: Arizona (+5), Mississippi (+9), Mississippi - special election (+9), Nebraska (+14), Tennessee (+14), Texas (+8), Utah (+20) and Wyoming (+25). The 9th seat is Nevada (D+1)

Of the remaining 26 seats available that the democrats currently hold, there are five that the republicans should win: Indiana (R+9), Missouri (R+9), Montana (R+11), North Dakota (R+16) and West Virginia (R+20).

There are two the republicans are currently leading that could switch to republican: Ohio (R+3) and Florida (R+2).

Lastly, there are four seats where the democrat is in trouble: Wisconsin (even), Virginia (D+1), Minnesota (D+1), and Minnesota special election (D+1). The republicans will hold at least 8 of the 9 seats. They will most likely win the five heavily favored seats noted above. That is a net gain of 4 seats, and the democrats still have to defend Ohio (R+3) and Florida (R+2). Call that a split, and the net gain goes to a net gain of 5 seats.

Lastly, the democrats have to defend four seats that are even or D+1. Assume only one went republican and the net gain is up to 6.

51 + 6 = 57, leaving the democrats with 41, and the independents (who vote with the democrats) at 2.

Hence, there is a two year window for SC retirees/deaths that Trump would be appointing their replacements.

.....”Does anybody really think the democrats are going to finish the race with control of the senate? I say its almost impossible, even with an October surprise from the Rats”...

Wonderful post!.........really great when you bring it together like this!

Hence, there is a two year window for SC retirees/deaths that Trump would be appointing their replacements.

I calculate 19 months.

After Scalia died in Feb 2016, Yertle blocked any hearings on Scalia's replacement pending the outcome of the general election. If anyone retires etc after Jan 1, 2020, I expect Swamp dwelling McConnel to say "well, in fairness to the Democrats, I will block hearings until Jan 20, 2021."

Thus, the politically likely window for retirements etc is the next 19 months.