Senate Democrats, buoyed with the retirement plans of Republican Sens. John Warner of Virginia and Larry Craig of Idaho, believe their chances of adding seats in the 2008 elections have been enhanced.
Aides to top Democrats say they are working hard to recruit top contenders in those and other states and expect to soon reveal their 2008 challengers in key races, such as in New Hampshire, where former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen is expected to take on Sen. John Sununu. In recent polls she has led the Republican by more than 25 points.
The Democrats are hoping that former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner enters the Senate race, possibly as early as Monday. However, he has also expressed interest in running for governor again, and strategists believe that would give him a better perch from which to eventually run for president.
While this was a good week for Democrats, a key party organizer said, "all our news is in the weeks to come, with lots of potential candidates deciding soon."
—Paul Bedard
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