Senate Democrats eye 'magic 60'

#1
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WA_Vol

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#1
Senate Democrats eye 'magic 60' - CNN.com

Democrats are talking 60 -- the number of seats needed to secure filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

Winning what's commonly called the "magic 60" would maximize the Democrats' ability to push through a Democratic agenda and would virtually prevent Republicans from blocking legislation on the Senate floor.

Of the 35 Senate seats on the line this year, 23 are held by Republicans. Five Republican senators are retiring: Pete Domenici of New Mexico, Wayne Allard of Colorado, John Warner of Virginia, Larry Craig of Idaho and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska.

Democrats currently control the Senate. Although it's split evenly with 49 Democrats and 49 Republicans, two independents -- Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut -- caucus with the Democrats.

Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said Democrats have a good shot at reaching a 60-seat majority in November, a possibility he all but ruled out earlier this year."The fundamentals of this election year could not be more Democratic," Sabato said. "You've got a terrible economy, a deeply unpopular president and an unpopular war. You put those elements together and it's going to produce a Democratic victory. ...
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#3
#3
TennTradition said:
I have a feeling that this will be the most interesting aspect of election night.
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It all comes down to whether Stevens can pull it out in Alaska. Dems will need that one to get 60. I bet it's more like 57 (58 max), but that's a big enough majority to push a serious agenda. And the House is going to be another bloodbath. Look for GOP to lose at least 25 seats.
 
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#6
notverycrucial said:
I assumed that race was over. Looks difficult for Sununu to make up that much ground (Pollster.com). Are you hearing something different up there?
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It feels pretty tight. It is the only race of interest up here, and while I think that the Ds will pick it up - he could still pull out a win. It has gotten tighter in recent weeks, IMO. It's certainly not one of the closest in the country - but it's the one I'm watching "regionally."
 
#8
#8
TennTradition said:
Any predictions on where the surprises will be?
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Senate: Stevens wins in AK, Liddy Dole loses in NC, Wicker loses in MS.

House: Murtha loses thanks to his comments calling Western PA racist. That was solid Dem district a week ago, now it's a toss-up at best. Bachmann in MN will lose.

Those are just a few predictions off top of my head. It's going to be a massive wave for the Dems. Similar to 2006.
 
#9
#9
notverycrucial said:
Senate: Stevens wins in AK, Liddy Dole loses in NC, Wicker loses in MS.

House: Murtha loses thanks to his comments calling Western PA racist. That was solid Dem district a week ago, now it's a toss-up at best. Bachmann in MN will lose.

Those are just a few predictions off top of my head. It's going to be a massive wave for the Dems. Similar to 2006.
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I think Stevens loses and Wicker wins, but I think you are right about Dole. I am going to go ahead and call a win for Martin in Georgia as my shocker special.

I agree on Bachmann, Murtha will be close but I tend to agree with you there too.
 
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#10
#10
emainvol said:
I think Stevens loses and Wicker wins, but I think you are right about Dole. I am going to go ahead and call a win for Martin in Georgia as my shocker special.

I agree on Bachmann, Murtha will be close but I tend to agree with you there too.
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Wow, that would be the shock of the evening if that happens. I like your style. Heard it here first, folks. Emain is going with a Martin win in Georgia.
 
#11
#11
emainvol said:
I think Stevens loses and Wicker wins, but I think you are right about Dole. I am going to go ahead and call a win for Martin in Georgia as my shocker special.

I agree on Bachmann, Murtha will be close but I tend to agree with you there too.
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CNN is now saying Stevens is guilty on all counts. (I'd like to change my prediction to reflect that of emain's)
 
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