Ironic Johnny, you sooo funny;
WASHINGTON—Lawmakers in both parties are contemplating for the first time the possibility that the Republicans might recapture the Senate this year, though it’s an uphill climb in which the GOP would have to win states that have recently been inhospitable to the party.
Republicans’ prospects are surging, driven by an electorate deeply dissatisfied with Washington, the economy and incumbents. And the surprise retirement announcement from Sen. Evan Bayh (D., Ind.) Monday on the heels of a host of other bad news for Democrats is prompting party leaders to take a fresh look at the Senate landscape.
Because Democrats hold a 59-41 voting majority in the Senate, Republicans would have to gain 10 new seats and retain all of their own to gain control.
In swing states such as Arkansas and Nevada, Democratic incumbents are facing fierce headwinds. Democratic retirements have handed the GOP unexpected opportunities in places like North Dakota and now Indiana. In Democratic strongholds such as Illinois and Delaware, Republicans are running strong campaigns.
The question is whether the GOP can add to that list. Emboldened by their recent victory in Massachusetts, Republicans have begun looking at states that tilt Democratic like California, Wisconsin, Washington and New York.
“It all comes down to the candidates,” said Sen. John Thune (R., S.D.). “If you have good candidates, states like California and Washington can be put in play.” Mr. Thune played down the chances of a Republican takeover—”we don’t want to blow too much happy smoke out there yet”—but voiced cautious optimism about the Republicans’ political fortunes.