After a few months of listening to Republicans crow about significant recruitment gains for key Senate contests, Democratic candidates have finally begun crawling out of the woodwork.
For several months, Republicans could boast of key Senate candidates who announced early for 2012 Senate contests:
Republicans agued that Democrats were still reeling from their losses in 2010 while the GOP had the wind at their backs.
The weather forecast today is a bit more mixed.
Two significant Democratic candidates have entered contest and given Democrats more hope that they can retain control of the Senate – although that remains a daunting challenge.
Most recently, former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine (D) entered the contest to replace Senator Jim Webb (D), who is retiring. He will likely face Allen, although the former incumbent has challenges from the right.
In New Mexico, Rep. Martin Heinrich (D) will run and is probably at least even money in the contest – in part because Republicans may again go through a damaging primary. The more conservative elements in the state despise Wilson.
Still, much depends on the mood of the country in November 2012. And the mood of the country depends in a major way on the economy.
The Presidential contest in 2012 will play a major role in Senate races as well.
