The Democratic pursuit of 60 Senate seats received new life Tuesday night after Alaska Democrat Mark Begich was declared the winner against Ted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican in the Senate........
Democratic prospects of reaching 60 seats didn’t look so bright the day after the election. In Alaska, Stevens led Begich by more than 3,000 votes. In Minnesota, Republican Sen. Norm Coleman was holding a narrow lead. GOP Sen. Gordon Smith had not yet been declared the loser in the Oregon Senate race and in Georgia, Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss was just over the 50 percent mark necessary to win re-election in Georgia.
But over the ensuing two weeks, the landscape began to tilt in the Democrats’ favor. The Associated Press declared Jeff Merkley the winner over Smith in Oregon, Coleman’s lead shrank to 215 votes, Chambliss fell just short of the 50 percent threshold necessary for an outright victory, and Begich captured a majority of the nearly 90,000 absentee and early votes that were counted after Election Day......
Democrats believe they have a shot at picking off Chambliss’ Senate seat now that the race is heading into a runoff, likely a low turnout affair where get-out-the-vote efforts will prove critical. Chambliss dramatically outspent Martin in the general election, $11 million to $2.5 million, but still failed to avoid a runoff. Now, as the campaigns essentially start from scratch, Martin will be at financial parity and aided by scores of leading Democratic operatives.
Democrats’ recent success in getting out the vote has left Martin’s campaign guardedly optimistic. While Barack Obama lost the state by five points, he came closer than most recent Democratic presidential candidates, boosted by the record high level of turnout among African-Americans across the state.
Come to a phone bank this weekend and help the Democrats win the Georgia Senate run-off race.
A win in Georgia would make the Senate nearly filibuster-proof.
And that means Obama will have a much better chance of being able to enact real change.
Let's get a head-start on Saxby's retirement party. Join us:
Saturday, November 22
Pot Luck Phone Bank at Mary Jack's
1pm-4pm
913 Marco Place, Venice, CA 90291
Bring your cell phones, your chargers, and a dish!
We'll provide the drinks!
Sunday, November 23
BBQ Phone Bank and Hot Tub Extravaganza at Marta and Warren's
1pm-4pm
758 Palms Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
Bring your cell phones, your chargers, your bathing suit and a side dish. We'll supply the drinks, burgers and hot water!
Please RSVP so we'll know how much food to get!
msblucow@mac.com
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