Tuesday Rundown

Stu Rothenberg has his most recent 2008 Senate Ratings up. Now eleven Democratic seats, including South Dakota's Senator Tim Johnson, are all rated as "Currently Safe" with only Senator Mary Landrieu outside of this safest category. Meanwhile, Virginia is "Lean Takeover," while Colorado, New Mexico, and New Hampshire are all rated "Toss-Up." Norm Coleman, Susan Collins, and Gordon Smith cling to a "Narrow Advantage for Incumbent Party" rating, while Nebraska's open seat, Elizabeth Dole, Mitch McConnell, and Ted Stevens are also outside of the "Currently Safe" rating.

Minnesota: A new Rasmussen poll sees Republican Norm Coleman narrowly up on Al Franken 49-42 and on Mike Ciresi 46-43. Coupled with the recent Survey USA numbers putting Coleman and the Democrats in a statistical dead heat, it's clear that MN-Sen has become pretty much neck-and-neck with a year to go.

Oregon: This is a partisan poll (read: grain of salt) but the DSCC-commissioned poll by Grove Insight finds that only 5% of Oregonians considered Gordon Smith "excellent" and only 28% consider him "good." Right now, only 30% would vote to re-elect, while 25% would consider someone else, and 16% would vote to replace. Ugly numbers for Smith. Meanwhile, Gordon Smith is abusing his Congressional franking privilege to communicate with constituents, sending out blatantly political campaign mailers. (HT: Blue Oregon)

Maine: Maine Republicans stuck it to Democratic Congressman Tom Allen when it came to light that disgraced fundraiser Norman Hsu contributed $1,000 to Allen. Once the Allen camp was aware of the contribution, Allen promptly returned the contribution. Well, I wonder what the ME-GOP's reaction will be now that it has come to light that Republican Bush rubber stamp Susan Collins has taken money from cocaine dealer and tax cheat Philip Martin. If you're curious, you can call the ME-GOP HQ at (207) 622-6247 and ask them what they think of Collins' questionable contribution, and you can call Collins' campaign HQ at (207) 221-9330 to ask if she will return the coke dealer and tax cheat's contribution or if she'll keep it.

Alaska: While it is pretty clear that Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich will take his time in announcing his decision on a 2008 Senate race, he is sounding more and more like a candidate.

Texas: George W. Bush's approval in his nominal home state of Texas was last clocked at 41% and his disapproval at 57%. Well, Bush will be returning to Texas to raise money for his rubber stamp John Cornyn. Counter that fundraiser by contributing to State Representative and Lieutenant Colonel Rick Noriega. Also, Noriega is Democracy for America's first endorsed Senate candidate of the 2008 cycle.

Illinois: Candidate filing for the 2008 Senate race has wrapped in Illinois. Senator Richard Durbin is the only Democrat running. The Republican candidates who filed are political unknown Steve Sauerberg, electoral loser Andy Martin, 77-year-old-I-think previous Senate candidate Norm Hill, and trucker Mike Psak. Nope, I don't see Alan Keyes in the mix.

Georgia: Tondee's Tavern continues it's Democratic Senate candidate Q&A series with Dale Cardwell.

Kentucky: I think it is a pretty glaring weakness for Mitch McConnell that the reprehensible stooges over at the KY-GOP have to stoop to such vile, probably-illegal stunts on the lead-up to Election Day. You can listen to the robocall at The Bridge. I hope the perpetrators are appropriately prosecuted. Meanwhile, more graft and handouts to cronies from Mitch McConnell.