State of the Senate

It has been almost a month since Election Day, but the state of the Senate is still not resolved with the recount in Minnesota and the runoff in Georgia still clouded matters. Democrats still have an outside chance on getting a filibuster proof majority if they manage to win both contests. However, it is looking less and less likely that they’ll be able to. This should be good news for conservatives, moderates and even some of the saner thinking Democrats. We all know the saying, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Democrats and the nation will be better off if there is a least some modicum of check on the most liberal of agenda items. With less than 10 days before the December 2nd runoff in GA and the recount in MN winding down, now is the perfect time to look at where these two races stand.

Georgia: Local reports have found voters who say they know it is an important race--but for many it may not be important enough to vote. Even though Saxby Chambliss and Jim Martin are still campaigning, some Georgians are having a hard time remembering the date or the candidates. Both candidates are spending money and bringing in strong surrogates such as former President Bill Clinton and former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. But is it making a difference?

Sen. Saxby Chambliss was unable to win 50% of the vote Nov. 4, forcing a runoff with Democratic challenger Jim Martin. Chambliss narrowly missed winning outright, taking 49.8% of the vote to Martin's 46.8%. Vast voter registration drives of the Obama campaign helped Martin keep Chambliss from winning re-election on Election Day, but it's unclear whether that turnout effort will translate in a December runoff. The most recent Real Clear Politics average has the Republican, Chambliss, ahead by 4.7%.

Likely Outcome: Narrow but solid win for Chambliss.

Minnesota: While the recount vote has fluctuated between being in Republican Norm Coleman’s favor to Democratic challenger Al Franken’s, Coleman has never relinquished the lead. As it stands now with 88% of the recount complete, Coleman is ahead by his largest margin yet, 282. Additionally, Franken suffered a setback Wednesday when the state Canvassing Board unanimously turned down his campaign's request to include rejected absentee ballots.

Likely Outcome: This one is obviously much closer and Franken could certainly still pull it out, but it looks like Coleman will hold on to his seat by the tightest of margins.


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