The outstanding Senate contests
Posted: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 3:00 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under:
Congress, States, Democrats, Republicans
From NBC's Mark Murray
MINNESOTA.
Given that the current margin separating Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken is some 690 votes, we're headed for an automatic recount. Democrats tell NBC News that this recount could stretch into December. Republicans say that because the state's ballots are mostly opti-scan -- and not punch-cards with its hanging chads, etc. -- they're confident that the recount won't change the results, which have Coleman slightly ahead.
OREGON.
Although Republican Sen. Gordon Smith is currently ahead in the polls, both Democrats and Republicans say that most of the outstanding vote is in Democratic-leaning areas, which will probably tip the race to Democratic challenger Jeff Merkley. That would give the Democrats an additional Senate pick-up.
GEORGIA.
With incumbent Sen. Saxby Chambliss sitting just under 50%, we're headed to a December 2 run-off between Chambliss and Democrat Jim Martin. There is some debate over whom would benefit in a run-off. One school of thought is that an energized Democratic Party, combined with a demoralized GOP, could benefit Martin. But Republicans say that with Obama no longer on the ballot, they feel pretty confident of winning a run-off in this red state.
ALASKA.
Both Democrats and Republicans believe that incumbent -- and indicted -- GOP Sen. Ted Stevens will probably hold on to victory in Alaska. But that's just the beginning of the story. Stevens faces possible expulsion from the Senate, or he might resign first to avoid that fate. If Stevens resigns or is expelled, Gov. Sarah Palin would have to call for a special election, which would take place 60 to 90 days after Palin called for it.
