Thursday, August 28, 2014

The Battle for Senate Control

Senate Democratic candidates are walking a political tightrope in the dozen races that will determine control of the chamber next year and shape the final years of President Obama's second term.
No place is that more evident than in Alaska, where Sen. Mark Begich is on the attack against the Republican vying to defeat him while at the same time he embraces many GOP lawmakers and policies in his bid for a second term in this conservative state.
Dan Sullivan (r) and Sen Mark Begich (D-AK)
"There's some federal money that expanded that road we just drove on," Begich said, pointing out the window towards Seward Highway during a recent campaign swing through the city in which he was once mayor. "Republicans don't like federal money. If they want to kill the Alaska economy, be against the federal government."
TOSSUPS: CLICK CHART to ENLARGE
At the same time, Begich touts a voting record that he says tracks 80% with Alaska's senior Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski, and his relationship with Rep. Don Young, the most senior Republican in the U.S. House. He's run ads picturing himself and Murkowski together, and at a recent Democratic fundraiser he cast the trio as "a team" working together in Congress. Murkowski has requested him to stop using her image, and counters that their votes have split on critical issues like Obama's health care bill, which Begich supported.
It will be the costliest battle in Alaska history and holds national consequences for Democrats, who are on defense to protect their 55-45 majority amid a sour national mood toward the president and with many of the deciding races being fought on GOP ground.
DEM Leaning: CLICK CHART to ENLARGE
Already, Republicans are poised to gain three of the six seats they need to take control of the chamber with victories expected in the open seat races in Montana, South Dakota, and West Virginia.
There are nine additional races that will determine the make-up of the Senate, and Democrats are defending seven seats to just two for Republicans. Democrats are on offense in only two states — Kentucky and Georgia — and they are both states that Obama lost in 2008 and 2012.
GOP Leaning: CLICK CHART to ENLARGE
National Democrats are particularly bullish about a Begich victory, and they need to be. A Begich defeat on Election Day would very likely coincide with a Republican takeover.
But national consequences rank below state interests here, where exuding Alaskan authenticity and mastering its unique political contours will be the key to winning this November.
Read the rest of the story HERE.

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