There May Be Trouble Ahead...

For the Republicans in the Senate, that is. Because we're not in an election year, and the Senate spots are staggered anyway, the GOP doesn't have to worry just yet. Nevertheless, as a party, they seem weaker right now than the Dems.

My evidence? Tracking polls. Looking at approval ratings, Senate Republicans are nowhere near as secure as Senate Democrats. A seated Senator should enjoy a 50% or more popularity rating to feel safe. At present, there are 29 Senators polling at 49% or less, and 21 are Republican. Seven of the eight least popular Senators (including both from Ohio) are Republican. In fact, the bottom four, the only Senators with actual negative net popularity-- opponents poll higher--are Republican.

So let this be a wake-up call to both parties. Just a reminder--there are no guarantees in politics.


ColumbusGuy says: Oh, I wish. I took a look at these numbers a few days ago and was delighted to see Mike DeWine at negative one, and Cryin' George Voinovich at plus one. These guys win with more than 60 percent of the vote, probably close to 70. They're not going anywhere, damn it. Why, I don't know; in their case even I would vote Democrat, and that doesn't come easily.