The change.org "election" for priorities for the new administration will be over today. If you think open, honest, and transparent elections should be a priority, please go to change.org and vote from them.
The incoming NRSC chairman, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), is optimistic about 2010. He says with George Bush out of office, Republicans won't be weighted down. He also said that Democratic turnout will be down in a midterm election. He also sees opportunity in the seats now or soon to be held by appointed senators in Illinois, New York, Delaware, and Colorado. Sounds pretty good. What he didn't mention is that Illinois, New York, and Delaware are very blue states and tough for any Republican under most circumstances. He also forgot to mention that four Republican senators have already announced their retirement: Sam Brownback (R-KS), George Voinovich (R-OH), Mel Martinez (R-FL), and Kit Bond (R-MO), and that all four of those are likely to be very competitive. But it is his job to be upbeat and he is doing his job well so far.
While Cornyn is wildly optimistic about the GOP's chances in 2010, he did get one piece of good news today. New Hampshire's immensely popular Democratic governor, John Lynch, has announced that he won't run for the Senate in 2010. If he had entered the race, he would have been the favorite. Without him, the two Democratic representatives, Carol Shea Porter and Paul Hodes, may end up in a nasty primary, which may result in Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) hanging on. Still, the state has become very Democratic in the past 4 years, so this could still be a top-tier race.
Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is leading all three of her likely opponents in an early poll by PPP (D) of the 2010 Missouri Senate race for the seat being vacated by Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO). Against congressman Roy Blunt she leads 45% to 44%, against former senator Jim Talent she leads 47% to 43%, and against former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman she leads 47% to 36%.
Former senator Norm Coleman (R) has proposed starting the election contest trial in mid-February. He wants to look at the disputed absentee ballots first. Al Franken is going to come up with a shorter timetable later today. The three judges appointed to hear the case will decide on the schedule after hearing both proposals. A factor they may consider is that Minnesota will have only one senator until this case is finished.