Topic: The Cook Political Report

A primary fight for Sen. Blanche Lincoln: Good for Republicans?

The liberal wing of the Democratic Party, no fan of incumbent Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, is cheering the forthcoming primary fight with state Lt. Gov. Bill Halter. Some political analysts say the internal party battle could make the seat even riper for a Republican takeover.

Scott Brown: with votes on jobs bill, already making waves

In his first big votes this week for a $15 billion jobs bill, Sen. Scott Brown stunned some conservative supporters by siding with Democrats.

Menendez: Sarah Palin dooms Carly Fiorina and GOP chance of retaking Senate

DSCC Chief Robert Menendez said Sarah Palin’s ties to California Senate candidate Carly Fiorina will prove fatal for Fiorina’s election chances and the GOP odds of regaining a majority in the Senate.

As Evan Bayh bows out, Democrats scramble to save Senate control

With the announcement that Sen. Evan Bayh is not running for reelection, the GOP has a good shot at taking over yet another Senate seat from Democrats in the November midterms.

Patrick Kennedy's planned retirement deals Democrats another blow

Patrick Kennedy will officially announce Sunday that he will not seek another term in the House. Republicans were already targeting his Rhode Island seat.

Sen. Blanche Lincoln fights for her political life

As a 'Blue Dog' Democrat, Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas has often sided with Republicans. But that's left Democrats grumbling and the GOP thinking she's an easy target in the 2010 elections.

Obama exhorts Democrats to learn from Massachusetts defeat

At a meeting Wednesday, President Obama took questions from Democratic senators seen to be vulnerable in the midterm elections. The event gave candidates a chance to vent voter anger – and Obama a forum to respond to it.

In Scott Brown's surprise success, a GOP template for midterms?

In the Martha Coakley vs. Scott Brown face off for the Massachusetts Senate seat, Republican Brown has come from behind in a campaign focused on fiscal responsibility. That could be a template for the GOP in this year's midterm elections.

Can the GOP and 'tea party' activists get along?

They've clashed in some places. But in Arkansas the old guard GOP and the tea party are united, so far, in a bid to oust Sen. Blanche Lincoln.

Robert Gibbs: Democratic voters’ lack of enthusiasm puzzling

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says he doesn't know why Democratic voters seem less energized than they were in 2008. But he predicts their enthusiasm will return by the 2010 congressional elections.

Exits of two senior senators mostly bad news for Democrats

Retirement of Sen. Byron Dorgan means it will be harder for Democrats to keep their filibuster-proof Senate majority after 2010. But the exit of Sen. Christopher Dodd improves Democrats' chances of holding onto his seat.

Democrats' 'big tent' faces challenges from conservative members

Newly elected moderate and conservative Democrats helped the party build a ‘big tent’ majority in the House. But those very same members – worrying about 2010 elections – are threatening Democrats' majority on major votes.

Under pressure, moderate Democrats agree to advance healthcare bill

Majority Leader Harry Reid needed his full Democratic caucus to move healthcare to the floor of the Senate. Several Democratic senators facing conservative constituents back home finally agreed.

Obama's Afghanistan policy isn't 'dithering.' It's 'reckless.'

GOP Rep. Tom Price says Obama's Afghanistan policy isn't 'dithering,' as Cheney put it. But it's 'reckless' none the less, he says.

Healthcare reform adds to troubles of Senators Reid and Dodd

Sens. Harry Reid and Christopher Dodd are leading the charge for a healthcare reform bill. But that makes it hard for them to run as moderates in 2010, when both will face tough reelection campaigns.

Gallup Poll: GOP gaining on Dems for control of Congress

Forty-six percent of voters still prefer a Democratic candidate, compared with 44 who'd go for a Republican, Gallup says. But the Dems' margin was bigger in July.

Mike Castle to vie for Biden's Senate seat, maybe against Beau

GOP's Mike Castle of Delaware, nine-term congressman, puts Republicans in strong position to pick up a Senate seat in 2010, whether or not Beau Biden (D) enters the race.

Another Biden for Senate?

Beau Biden, son of the vice president, is back from a year in Iraq. He'd start a Senate run in Delaware with a leg up, but 2010 looks to be a tough election for Democrats.

The Bidens, and six other political dynasties in the making

Beau Biden, son of Vice President Joe Biden, returned from Iraq Wednesday. He's tipped to run for the US Senate. Several other political families also have members eyeing 2010.

GOP hope for 2010: Voters nervous about Obama spending

Going into the fall, Obama has a plateful

In addition to healthcare, there are two wars, Iran, North Korea, and climate change, plus the economy.

Warning: out of control summer for Obama and Hill Democrats

Kirk’s Senate bid a crusade against Illinois corruption

The Republican congressman and Afghan war veteran is a moderate who has worked across the aisle.