We need to target blue state Republican Senators

[dsc]

In the six New England States, which went for Gore/Kerry 11 to 1, there are 5 Republican Senators. In contrast, in the entire South there are only 4 Democratic Senators. Pennsylvania, which went for Gore/Kerry twice there is a Republican Senator. In Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin Gore/Kerry 5 to 1 there are two Republican Senators. All of these Senators should be in serious trouble come reelection time. They are Collins, Snowe, Chaffee, Sununu, Gregg, Santorum, Coleman, and Grassley. Not all of them are up now but in the next three elections these seats should be primary targets. Gore and Kerry carried many of these states handedly yet we often have no names against these people. We should do what the Republicans did in the South. Recruit real candidates to drive these people out of office. Tie the national party around their ankles like a lead weight.

Remember that just two years ago we had 9 Senators in the South, now we have 4. We should be able to knock off at least half of the ones I named by 2008.

[Hailtothechimp]

1. I keep hoping Chaffee will pull a Jim Jeffords.

The Repubs must have some nasty shit on him to keep him in line.

And Collins and Snowe, for all the talk I hear about how moderate they are, have yet to break with the dumbass on anything that I have seen, so yes, they should go too.

Sununu got in because of the jammed phone lines back in 2002, did he not? Dean needs to remind the entire state of NH about this when this seat is up again.

And Santorum just needs to leave. I'm hoping that one of the Heinz sons make a run for the seat. A legacy kind of thing. They would also have money and name recognition in equal measure.

I think there's hope in at least a few of these places.

[autorank]

3. Chaffee's in trouble.

I saw a poll from RI on Chaffee versus a couple of Democratic candidates. He get's beat by about 15-20%. Really opened my eyes. Hopefull, his as well. I think Reid should go to Cheney and Snow after we get rolling real good and say, if you come over now and work with us which I know you want to do, I can probably stop any serious challenges to you (with some heavy hitters lined up to announce they'll challenge).
I can't stand Snow or Chaffee. They are both disgusting but it would be nice to flip them. If not, they must lose.

[pstans]

2. Grassley just won easily last November

He just won reelection with nearly 70% of the vote. However, the Dems didn't really run anyone against him. I canvassed for Kerry and other local Dems and never once did they say mention that race. I handed out pamphlets, but never said vote against Grassley.

With that said, Grassley is getting up there in years and my cousin who was intern for Grassley a year ago said that she would be surprised if he ran again.

If the Democrats can clear the Rethugs out of the Northeast, and toss out Santorum that would be great.

[dsc]

4. that is a text book example

What excuse is there for that? Iowa was a tightly constested race in both 2000 and 2004. There is no earthly reason we shouldn't have had a top tier candidate to go against Grassley.

[justgamma]

5. But, Grassley can't be beat.

He ran commercials, showing him mowing his own lawn. How the H*** can we compete with that? (end sarcasm)

He's chairman of the finance committee. He hates government waste (at least he did before he sold out). I intend to keep writing and trying to embarrass him into doing the right thing.
He is for being able to buy drugs from other countries. I consider that a huge break from the Shrub. Ok, I'll take what I can get.

[Sinistrous]

6. Actually both Pennsylvania senators are republican:

The odious Santorum and the conflicted Specter.

[pstans]

7. I can live with Specter

at least he is moderate and will vote against Bu$h on some issues.

[dsc]

8. You are correct

My mistake. At first I was only going to list those up in 06 which left Specter off I forgot to add him back on.

[IronLionZion]

9. let's beat prick santorum in 2006

OK? That guy really needs to go.