Analyst: Count Maryland Out of GOP Senate Wave
The early line on the 2010 midterm elections continues to brighten for Republicans.
The latest race-by-race assessment of Senate contests by independent analyst Stu Rothenberg predicts a net Republican gain of five to seven seats, with eight Senate seats a possibility. Ten seats--the number Republicans would need to regain control of the chamber from the Democrats--seems out of reach, at least for now.
"The possibility of a GOP blockbuster year has increased noticeably," concludes Rothenberg.
Among the Democratic seats that appear likely to go to Republican are Vice President Joe Biden's former slot in Delaware, currently held by appointee Ted Kaufman, who isn't running, and the seat of retiring North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan.
Democratic incumbents picked to lose: Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and the most powerful of all, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.
Other Democratic incumbents on the endangered list include Sens. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania and Michael Bennet of Colorado. Four seats held by retiring Republicans, in Ohio, New Hampshire, Missouri and Kentucky, are rated as tossups, along with Illinois and Indiana, which are being vacated by Democratic incumbents.
And what about the Senate race in Maryland, pitting Democratic veteran Barbara A. Mikulski against an opponent to be named later (in September's Republican primary)?
"Not even on the GOP's radar," reports Rothenberg.
Mikulski is rated one of eight "currently safe" Democratic senators.
A total of 36 Senate seats are being contested this year. With Republican gains all but assured, "Democrats are likely to retain control of the Senate," concludes Rothenberg, "but at a dramatically reduced level."
Comments
Bailout Barb needs to go. Carmen Amedori is a GOP contender who has the experience needed to win the General election. This race should be given serious consideration and placed on the radar. The current Senator does not deserve another term. She has been in Congress a total of 33 years. It's time to go home, Babs.
Posted by: Beat Bailout Barb | February 24, 2010 10:07 AM
Mikulski voted for many of the worst civil-rights and foreign military adventurism excesses of the Bush white house. The Republicans don't need to unseat her.
Posted by: Anonymous | February 24, 2010 10:51 AM
"Not even on the GOP's radar"??? Maybe that is the problem with the GOP. They didn't see the tsunami that swept them out of office. The record GOP wins that come in November will be in spite of what's on their radar. Just ask Scott Brown who risked a run for US Senate in MA back when the GOP wouldn't even return his phone calls. Same goes for QA County Commissioner Eric Wargotz who was running against Mikulski since before it was fashionable.
Posted by: Arch Stanton | February 24, 2010 12:12 PM
Mikulski has been in office for too long! It's time to fill the seat with someone who listens to and stands for the people of Maryland. GOP candidate Carmen Amedori is running to do just that. She also has a great track record of public and private sector experience- Overall a great candidate for this race.
Posted by: Joanne | February 24, 2010 12:14 PM
This is a race that the GOP should have on its radar screen. The incumbent Senator has been in Congress for over 3 decades. Maryland cannot afford to have her back for a 5th term. Carmen Amedori is a strong Republican candidate with a very fiscal conservative voting record. Check it out GOP. It is time to vote all incumbents out and refresh our nation. Refresh Maryland by electing Amedori.
Posted by: kmd4amedori | February 24, 2010 4:08 PM
CA may be good but Dr. Eric Wargotz has my family's votes. The only elected official in the race who has the stones to speak his mind and fight for citizens. His actions are louder than words. No ex-parole bd appointees, no more trial lawyers..plain and simple...no more nonsense. He truly is the "peoples candidate putting Maryland First - Freedom First.
Posted by: Les | February 25, 2010 1:21 AM
I have known Carmen Amedori for many years. She has the intergrity and ethics we need for the U.S. Senate. Mikulski has been in office way too long. She has a Zero percent rating with the taxpayers of this state. Carmen is the GOP candidate who can take the November election and make Maryland First! This race should be on the radar screen as no incumbent should be re-elected especially one who has been in Congress 33 years. Go Home Barbara.
Posted by: Cynthia Armacost | February 25, 2010 7:58 PM
Jim Rutledge is giving it a go for a Maryland Senate seat. He'd bring a breath of fresh air to the mix. Barbara Mikulski served well for many years, many years ago. She should enjoy her $11-million campaign fund in splendid retirement.
Any elected official that feels they're safe this season is a fool.
Posted by: Rick Saffery | February 26, 2010 10:21 PM
It's funny... I'm sure a few weeks before the MA election that the seat was rated Safe Dem... stranger things have happened.
Posted by: Hayden | March 1, 2010 10:35 PM
Maryland should be on the radar of the RNC. The incumbent has the audacity to come back and ask for a 5th term. That will not be tolerated. It is not going to happen and Carmen Amedori is the best Republican candidate to bring that seat back to The People of Maryland. It's time for Barbara Mikulski to go home!!!!
Posted by: Kimberly Shunk | March 4, 2010 1:22 PM