Rothenberg Senate Rankings

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Given the continued uproar and taint of Blago, I have no clue how Burris could be considered safe.

Safe for the Democratic party, not safe for Burris.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Given the continued uproar and taint of Blago, I have no clue how Burris could be considered safe.

Safe for the Democratic party, not safe for Burris.

If Burris wins the primary, it is not safe. There is a lot of anger about his willingness to take the appointment, even by many Dems. If the criminal trial of Blago takes place in 2010, the appointment will be the issue.

I'm sure you Illinois Republicans would rather Burris win the primary, but who says that's going to happen? Presumably if he runs in the primary Obama will endorse one of his opponents.

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Here are our latest Senate ratings. In the face of poor polling numbers and media stories, we've moved Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd (D) from Currently Safe to Clear Advantage. Republicans don't yet have a candidate against him, but Dodd can't be considered safe.

Lean Takeover (0 R, 0 D)

Toss-Up (5 R, 0 D)

    * Bunning (R-KY)
    * FL Open (Martinez, R)
    * MO Open (Bond, R)
    * NH Open (Gregg, R)
    * OH Open (Voinovich, R)

Narrow Advantage for Incumbent Party (3 R, 2 D)

    * Burr (R-NC)
    * Specter (R-PA)
    * Vitter (R-LA)
    * Bennet (D-CO)
    * Reid (D-NV)

Excellent news