If you look at the list of senators who are up for reelection in 2012, you’ll quickly realize that after Scott Brown, one of our best pickup opportunities is Jon Kyl’s seat in Arizona. That tells you that we have a tough challenge ahead of us. That’s why flipping Olympia Snowe to the Democratic column actually has a lot of appeal.
Such a coup could very well mean the difference between maintaining or losing control of the Senate. The question is, what would we be willing to give up in order to woo her. With Sen. Webb hinting at retirement, we’re going to need every vote we can get.
Here are some other thoughts on the 2012 Senate races:
Hawaii- If Akaka retires, we have two women in the House lined up to replace him: Mazie Hirono and freshman Colleen Hanabusa. Anyone have a preference? I’m for anyone but Ed Case.
Wyoming- Our only chance is to convince Dave Freudenthal to run.
Massachusetts- Who’s the best candidate to take down Scott Brown?
North Dakota- Can Kent Conrad survive? Who will run against him?
Nevada- Do we have anyone lined up to challenge for Ensign’s seat?
California- Will Feinstein retire? Who’s placed well to win the nomination if she does?
Utah- Can Orrin Hatch escape the fate of his friend and colleague, Bob Bennett?
Texas- Can Kay Bailey Hutchison keep the crazies at bay and win the nomination for another term in the Senate?
Wisconsin- If Herb Kohl retires as expected, can we convince Feingold to run for his seat?
Arizona- We have to find a candidate who can beat Jon Kyl. Could Janet Napolitano pull it off?
Connecticut- This should be the end of Lieberman’s career. But who will replace him?
Nebraska- It looks like we sink or swim with Ben Nelson.
Montana- Can Jon Tester win reelection in a presidential year?
Virginia- Will Jim Webb even try to win reelection in a presidential year? Is Tim Kaine the only guy on the bench?
It’s slim pickings, folks. We have to be smart, and good, or we’re losing the Senate.
