All 37 Class 3 senators are up for reelection across the country- and there are a number of tight races which are hard to call, as this quick guide to close Senate races points out.
California Although some commentators think this California seat is leaning towards the Democratic incumbent, Senator Barbara Boxer, she is facing a strong challenge from the Republican candidate, former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina. Polls are tight in the Sunshine State. If liberal California falls to the Republican, it's hard to see how a majority can be kept in the Senate. Perhaps in working in the favour of the Democratic incumbent, however, Fiorina supports Arizona's tough, controversial illegal immigration laws.
Colorado
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Democrat Michael Bennet is the incumbent, after filling a vacancy in 2009. But he is facing a strong challenge from a Tea Party-backed candidate, Ken Buck, who got past the 'Grand Old Party' Republican candidate in the primaries, Jane Norton. Some analysts are tipping Colorado for a Republican win.
Illinois
There's a tight race going on in Barack Obama's home state. Incumbent Democrat Roland W Burris is not seeking reelection, and Democrat Alexi Giannoulias is fighting it out with Republican Mark Steven Kirk, a five-term congressman. Recent scandals surrounding the governorship (in a state which has seen its share) have, some analysts say, tarnished the Democrat brand, and a win for the Republicans would have symbolic power. Polls suggest the state could fall to the Republicans, but both candidates have some way to go with voters.
Missouri
Republican Christopher Bond has held this seat for years, but he's retiring, and both the Democratic and Republican candidates, Robin Carnahan (Missouri's secretary of state) and Roy Blunt (a long-term member of the House of Reps), think they're in with a good chance. To add to the spice, both won their primary contests convincingly.
Nevada
One to watch – the Democratic incumbent Harry Reid is the Senate majority leader, and the Republicans had been hoping to knock him off his perch. Tea Party-backed candidate Sharron Angle has been fairing very well in the polls against Reid, and he, increasingly unpopular, has attempted to portray her as out of touch with the mainstream; she's called, amongst other things, for the phasing out of social security. Some commentators are saying this one is a mini-debate on the role of government in the US.
Pennsylvania
Democrat Joe Sestak defeated current senator Arlen Specter in the primary, and is facing off against Republican Pat Toomey. Sestak, to the left of the Dems, and Toomey, to the right of the Reps, are offering a real contrast in the state. Sestak might have to rely on union support and a strong African-American turnout in Philadelphia, while Toomey has the Tea Party movement on his side.
Washington
Nominally liberal Washington state features another seat that the Dems could lose in the Senate. Republican Dino Rossi is challenging Patty Murray, a well known figure in the Democratic party. Reps are reportedly keen on unseating her on the basis of support for healthcare reform and stimulus packages – and they've chosen a popular figure in Rossi, who has previously run for governor in the state.
Wisconsin
Democratic incumbent Russ Feingold is seeking a fourth Senate term after a long political life, but he has a strong challenge on his hands from businessman Ron Johnson. Punters suggest that if a 'wind of change' movement is to sweep the Republicans to power, the state of Wisconsin, more progressive than many others, would be a firm measure of the national mood.
West Virginia
Seen as a real toss up, Democrat Carte Goodwin is not seeking reelection, and while some suggest Joe Manchin could hold on to the seat for the Democrats, the Republicans are trying to brand Manchin, the Governor, as being too close to the President's ideals – which, of course, currently involve unpopular plans for healthcare, as well as the stimulus. Hilary Clinton also roundly defeated Obama in the race for the Democratic nomination for President, and Republican John Raese could steal the show.
