Senate Update: Will the Dems make it to 60?

Senate Dems are smiling in states that were thought to be competitive and even in states where Republicans may have felt safe.

 

In Nebraska, Democrat Scott Kleeb outraised Republican Mike Johanns in the last quarter.  While the difference was only $17,000 ($700,000 to $683,000), this must have shocked conventional wisdom.  Johanns is the ultimate insider.  He’s been governor and worked in the Bush White House.  Despite the fundraising success, Kleeb still has work to do in the polls.  The latest poll I have seen, puts Johanns up by 27 points, with a margin of error of 4.5%.  However, this poll is now a month old and Kleeb’s fundraising buzz could help close the gap.  I look forward to seeing the next poll. 

In Alaska, Democrat Mark Begich is challenging Ted Stevens.  Polls are showing that voters have grown tired of the 84 year old incumbent.  In the 2 latest polls, Begich leads by 8 points and 2 points.

July polling shows the Democrats holding and picking up a number of seats. It shows Democrats picking up seats in MN, VA, NH, CO, AK while holding their seats in NJ, SD, MI, LA, and IL