Here’s a list of the useless class of United States Senators that are up for re-election in 2008. They are a sorry lot…most of them. I’d like to see almost all of them replaced. So, help me out. Who can we find to run against these losers?
Alexander, Lamar- (R – TN)
Lamar has only served one term. It seems pretty obvious that the DLC will be looking to do a repeat of Harold Ford, Jr. We absolutely have to find someone better than Ford Jr. to run against Alexander. And a brief look at the House representatives isn’t very encouraging. Maybe Progressive Caucus member Stephen Cohen? Maybe Governor Phil Bredesen? Any other ideas?
Allard, Wayne- (R – CO)
Allard is reported to be retiring. Word is that Boulder Democrat Mark Udall is a likely candidate for the Dems. What do people think of him?
Baucus, Max- (D – MT)
Bankruptcy Bill Baucus is one of the most annoying Democrats in the Senate. Anyone out there willing to challenge this guy who is loaded up with cash as the Chairman of Finance committee?
Biden, Joseph R., Jr.- (D – DE)
What can we say about Joe Bankruptcy Biden? He’s making his run for the Presidency, even though it is an epic waste of all his friend’s time. Anyone in Delaware want to make a statement?
Chambliss, Saxby- (R – GA)
If Max Cleland wants revenge, I’m all about helping him get some. Anyone else?
Cochran, Thad- (R – MS)
There are a lot of rumors that Cochran will retire. If he does retire it sounds likely that former state Attorney General Mike Moore will get in for the Dems. Any other people out there?
Coleman, Norm- (R – MN)
What a tool this guy is. Al Franken is going to give this race a go. I suppose the Senate could use a comedian. But Minnesota can surely do better than this. Right? Maybe Attorney Mike Ciresi? Who’s out there?
Collins, Susan M.- (R – ME)
Well, at least her state makes her vulnerable. DLC champion Rep. Tom Allen is looking to run against her. How about a progressive? Anyone?
Cornyn, John- (R – TX)
Cornyn’s polling is terrible. I’d like to know who we can run against this guy. Texas is turning bluer by the day. Any rumors?
Craig, Larry E.- (R – ID)
Larry Craig is rumored to be retiring, perhaps in part due to allegations about his sexual preferences. Larry Grant might be able to give this race a go in an open seat. How’s he stack up? Other options?
Dole, Elizabeth- (R – NC)
Liddy did such an awful job as head of the NRSC (getting completely shutout) and is such an ineffectual Senator that there are rumors she might retire. I kind of doubt it. Maybe Brad Miller could run against her. This race needs a well-funded opponent. Governor Mike Easley? What’s he like?
Domenici, Pete V.- (R – NM)
Domenici has taken to showing to work in his pajamas. He might be suffering for some early onset dementia of some kind. This could very well become an open seat. Who do we have to run for this seat? Maybe Progressive Caucus member Tom Udall?
Durbin, Richard- (D – IL)
Durbin can stay.
Enzi, Michael B.- (R – WY)
Gary Trauner almost won the at-large house seat. Let’s run him state-wide again.
Graham, Lindsey- (R – SC)
Maybe this lunatic will run for Vice-President and lose. It’s the only way we’ll ever get rid of him.
Hagel, Chuck- (R – NE)
Hagel might retire. This is a challenging state for Democrats. Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey? Any other prospects?
Harkin, Tom- (D – IA)
Harkin might retire. I hope not, because he is one of the best Democrats in the Senate. If he does retire I’d like someone other than former DLC chairman Tom Vilsack to run for his seat.
Inhofe, James M.- (R – OK)
I hate his guy so much I’d be willing to put up with another Senator Boren. But is there another way?
Johnson, Tim- (D – SD)
Tim Johnson’s health is a major concern. I’m not a big fan of DLC all-star Stephanie Herseth, but she might be our best shot if Johnson retires. Anyone else? A Daschle comeback?
Landrieu, Mary L.- (D – LA)
Mary Bankruptcy Bill Landrieu has gotten on about my last nerve. But there are things about her that I like. And I’m not seeing any realistic challengers. This is already a very endangered seat. What do you think?
Lautenberg, Frank R.- (D – NJ)
Lautenberg is in his mid-80’s and deeply unpopular. But he appears to be running again. I like Rush Holt, despite his New Democrat affiliation.
Levin, Carl- (D – MI)
Levin can stay.
McConnell, Mitch- (R – KY)
This is next round’s Ricky Santorum, but with more money than Bill Gates. It would be nice if anyone could beat him. Can we get Rick Pitino to run against him?
Pryor, Mark L.- (D – AR)
Mark Bankruptcy Bill Pryor is a decent guy. I’m happy to leave him alone. But it’d be nice to see him sweat a little.
Reed, Jack- (D – RI)
I like this guy.
Roberts, Pat- (R – KS)
There are rumors that this dinosaur might retire. But it looks like he will run again for some inexplicable reason. I’d love to see him ridden out of office on a rail. I don’t care who beats him. Can Governor Kathleen Sebelius run against him? When’s her term up?
Rockefeller, John D., IV- (D – WV)
Chuckie Schumer says that Jay will run again. I’m inclined to leave him alone.
Sessions, Jeff- (R – AL)
This guy could be the dumbest man to ever serve in Congress. DLC champion Artur Davis wants a piece of him. It might make it possible to put a real progressive pol in Davis’ seat. Any hope here?
Smith, Gordon H.- (R – OR)
Gordon Smith is tired of the war in Iraq. He’s also very vulnerable. Could DeFazio beat him? Anyone but DLC champion Rep. Earl Blumenauer.
Stevens, Ted- (R – AK)
Stevens is ancient. I hear Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich might be a comer.
Sununu, John E.- (R – NH)
Sununu should lose this seat. Here are people I hear are considering a challenge: Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand, Activist Katrina Swett, Businessman Gary Hirshberg, and Professor & former astronaut Jay Buckley. I know nothing about any of them.
Warner, John- (R – VA)
Warner could still retire. Fmr. Gov. Mark Warner is considering running for this seat regardless of what John does. There is probably no point in getting in his way. He can win the seat and he’s a decent guy for this state. But I’m still all ears.
I want more progressives and less Republicans. We need to do something to win our party and our country back.