Council for a Livable World

Political action to reduce nuclear threats

  • Elections
    • Senate Victories
    • House Victories
    • Political Analysis
    • Who We’ve Helped Elect
  • Legislation
    • Key National Security Legislation
    • National Security Legislative Calendar
    • Legislative Achievements
  • Take Action
    • Avoiding Oppenheimer’s Nuclear Nightmare in Our Current Reality
    • Twin Threats: Climate Change and Nuclear War
    • Issues
    • Join Our Email List
    • Become a Member
  • About
    • Staff
    • Press
    • Newsletter
    • Boards & Experts
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Financials and Annual Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Search
You are here: Home / Blog / Early GOP gains in 2012 Senate contests

February 1, 2011

Early GOP gains in 2012 Senate contests

Republicans, who won the House in 2010, are hoping to take the Senate in 2012. They need a net gain of three or four seats, depending on who is elected President, as Democrats now hold a 53-47 majority.

In the last month, the GOP has strengthened its position for the 2012 elections.

Just today, there are reports that six-term incumbent Rep. Dennis Rehberg (R-MT) will announce for the Senate this Saturday against Sen. Tester (D). Tester upset an incumbent Republican Senator in 2006 by fewer than 4,000 votes and is a top Republican target in 2012. President Obama is very unpopular in the state.  Rehberg was the preferred Republican “get” in this state, and the contest becomes a toss-up.

In Vermont, there is a report this morning that state Auditor Tom Salmon (R), the son of a former Democratic governor and a former Democrat himself, indicating that he is “65 percent” leaning towards running against Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). If Salmon runs, he gives the GOP a big-name candidate. Former Governor. Former Republican Governor James Douglas is also considering running

Republicans also have recruited strong potential challengers in Missouri, against  Sen. Claire McCaskill (D), who ousted Sen. Jim Talent (R) in 2006 by three percentage points, in very Republican Nebraska, where Attorney General Jon Bruning (R) tossed his hat into the ring in December 2010 against Sen. Ben Nelson (D), and Virginia, where former Sen. George Allen (R) has been itching for a rerun against Sen. Jim Webb (D).

In addition, one retirement, that of Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND), gives Republicans a nice boost even though no candidate from either party has yet to enter the contest.

All in all, early momentum is with the Republicans.

Posted in: Blog

Recent Posts

  • An Early Look at the 2026 House of Representatives Elections May 29, 2025
  • An Early Look at the 2026 Senate Elections May 9, 2025
  • Shawn Rostker: ‘Quiet diplomacy is likely happening, even if the public posture is more restrained’ May 7, 2025
  • Council: Front and Center: April 21, 2025 April 21, 2025
  • Council: Front and Center: March 22, 2025 March 22, 2025
Council for a Livable World logo

820 1st Street NE, Suite LL-180
Washington, D.C. 20002
Phone: 202.543.4100

Elections

  • Meet The Candidates
  • Senate Candidates
  • House Candidates
  • Who We’ve Helped Elect

Legislation

  • Key National Security Legislation
  • National Security Legislative Calendar
  • Legislative Achievements

Take Action

  • Issues
  • Join Our Email List
  • Become a Member

About

  • History & Mission
  • Staff
  • Press
  • Newsletter
  • Boards & Experts
  • Jobs & Internships
  • Financials and Annual Reports
  • Contact Us
  • Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

© 2025 Council for a Livable World
Privacy Policy