Taking Applications

Wyoming: The deadline to apply to fill Wyoming's Senate vacancy is this Thursday at 5pm. The Casper Star-Tribune suggests that already 20 applications are in, possibly including: recently resigned Wyoming U.S. Attorney Matt Mead, state rep. Colin Simpson, state sen. John Barrasso, former state GOP Chairman Tom Sansonetti, former State Treasurer Cynthia Lummis, rancher Frank Moore, former state House Speaker and current deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Randall Luthi, and - drum roll please - Lynne Cheney, wife of Dick. (HT: NJDC Blog) Further, the Billings Gazette notes that the WY-GOP is "working to set up a televised candidates' forum on Sunday." Yesterday, the Guru looked at possible Democratic challengers for the 2008 Wyoming Senate races.

Kentucky: The Bridge is hearing rumors that 2003 Lt. Gov. nominee Charlie Owen will announce his 2008 Senate plans at some point in the next month.

Illinois: Another sign that Senator Richard Durbin is a safe bet for re-election: polling sees Senator Durbin beating former Gov. Jim Edgar by a 53-32 margin and enjoying a 62% approval rating.

Minnesota: MN Blue offers a broad meta-analysis of the 2008 Senate race.

Idaho: Larry LaRocco is working hard and getting his hands dirty to become Idaho's next U.S. Senator.