Vulnerable Incumbents in the Senate

A few long-time US Senate incumbents are in a fight for their political lives.

One vulnerable incumbent is first-term Republican David Vitter (LA). Vitter won in 2004 with 51% of the vote, but has since been implicated in a prostitution scandal.

There are more Democrats who run the risk of losing in 2010. The most vulnerable Democrat is 30-year incumbent Chris Dodd (CT), who has consistenly run behind in the polls by double-digit numbers. Majority Leader Harry Reid is also running behind in Nevada. Short of the GOP taking over the House, the defeat of Reid would be the biggest story in the 2010 elections. Arlen Specter (PA), who won his previous five senate races as a Republican has since switched parties and is fighting a serious primary challenge.

Polls in California show that 3-term Democrat incumbent Barbara Boxer's race is now a toss up. Rounding out the list of vulnerable incumbent's are Michael Bennet (CO) who was appointed to his seat less than a year ago, and Blanche Lincoln (AR), whose support for health care reform has been unpopular in Arkansas.