2010-memories

[Türkisblau]

WTF why would Ed "I like gay prostitutes" Schrock come back and run an independent campaign? I am at least a little glad that awful woman Thelma Drake lost.

[NewYorkExpress]

WTF why would Ed "I like gay prostitutes" Schrock come back and run an independent campaign? I am at least a little glad that awful woman Thelma Drake lost.

Honestly, Schrock thought enough voters had forgotten his scandal. He was wrong.

[NewYorkExpress]

Mississippi

In a year which favored them already, Republican operatives thought they could pick up multiple seats in the Magnolia State, and Democrats knew they probably weren't wrong.

1st Congressional District

Travis Childers found himself in a nightmare scenario, running in a district that had given John McCain 62% of the vote, and running against several strong Republicans. Indeed, by Easter, there were even polls out showing him narrowly behind the Libertarian candidate in the race, though everyone thought he'd finish in at least second.

Republicans

Fox News Analyst Angela McGlowan 50.35%
State Senator Alan Nunnelee 48.15%
Former Eupora Mayor Henry Ross 1.37%
Write-in/Other 0.13%

General Election
While McGlowan had pulled a modest upset in the primary, she now became a heavy favorite in November, and it showed with late October polls showing her up by 25. She also drew controversy when Melvin Watt, strongly stated she would be denied entry into the Congressional Black Caucus. McGowan's response that she hadn't asked (and hadn't planned to) mostly defanged the issue, and the rest of the caucus forced Watt to apologize shortly before inauguration day.


Angela McGlowan (R) 57.3%
Travis Childers (D) 38.6%
Harold Taylor (L) 3%
Barbara Dale Washer (R) 0.9%
Wally Pang (I) 0.3%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

4th Congressional District
Gene Taylor was also in deep trouble, with one of the most Republican districts in the nation, in a Republican year. It was easy to say, that he was a heavy underdog to whomever he faced. Early on State Representative Steven Palazzo looked like he would be the GOP nominee, but lost ground to a strong field after comments on January 17, 2010 that Hurricane Katrina was divine retribution for the people of Louisiana and Mississippi, causing a swift rebuke from Bobby Jindal and Haley Barbour among others.

Republicans

State Representative Richard Bennett 46%
Pascagoula Mayor Jim Blevins 27%
State Representative Steven Palazzo 20%
Diamondhead City Councilman Ron Rech 6.7%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

Runoff-Republicans

Richard Bennett (Endorsed by Rech) 55.3%
Jim Blevins (Endorsed by Palazzo) 44.7%

General Election
Taylor was toast, and National Republicans breathed a sigh of relief that Palazzo didn't get the nomination.

Richard Bennett (R) 61.2%
Gene Taylor (D) 36.6%
Tim Hampton (L) 1.7%
Anna Revies (R) 0.41%
Write-in/Other 0.09%

[NewYorkExpress]

Nebraska

While Republicans expected to do very well in the Cornhusker State, on of the reddest in the nation, some were concerned about the inroads President Obama made in the first Congressional District. Still Democrats had no reason to believe they would be competitive here, at least not at first.

Governor

Most thought incumbent Dave Heineman would run for and win a final four-year term, but decided not to run for re-election, and by mid-October 2010 had secured a future job as a lobbyist for General Mills, based in Minneapolis (With significant work done in Detroit and Washington D.C). While this wasn't expected to help Democrats much at all, it did lead to a crowded GOP primary.

Republicans

Congressman Lee Terry  37%
Former Lieutenant Governor David Maurstad 33.27%
Lincoln City Councilman Jonathan Cook 16.13%
Scottsbluff Mayor Randy Meinenger 13.3%
Write-in/Other 0.3%


While Congressman Terry had trouble with the GOP nomination,  Democrats nominated State legislator Tom White. with no opposition at all. After Lieutenant Governor picks were revealed, polls showed a relatively close race, but with Terry holding higher name ID and, usually leading by margins of 6-10 points. Even more nerve-wracking for both sides was the presence of  Harvard Mayor Michael Boyd, who's independent campaign appeared to be suppressing Terry's strength. 

General Election

Lee Terry/Jon Christensen (R) 56%
Tom White/Ret. Admiral James Ellis (D) 38%
Micheal Boyd/Richard Raymond(I) 5.75%
Write-in/Other 0.25%

3rd Congressional District
With Lee Terry running, for Governor and Democrats having gotten a solid candidate in former Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, some state Democrats saw a chance to pick off the seat. National Democrats (plus Ben Nelson and Bob Kerrey) disagreed, they saw Fahey as fools gold in a good year, and a disaster in a bad one. Still, he made it through the primary unopposed, as did the Republican nominee, Treasurer Don Stenberg (who quite frankly, was only running because he didn't want to viewed as loser the rest of his life). Needless to say, Stenberg, with his Statewide profile was the heavy favorite. 

General Election

Don Stenberg (R) 60.9%
Lee Fahey (D) 39.6%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

[NewYorkExpress]

South Dakota

While Democrats controlled most of the offices here, Republicans knew that as the tide swung against the D party, the GOP could make big gains here.

Governor

Mike Rounds was term-limited (and already eyeing a run against Tim Johnson in 2014), but Republicans were certain they would hold the seat. While they had a large if mostly friendly primary, Democrats nominated State Senator Scott Heidepriem with no opposition.

Republicans

Lieutenant Governor Dennis Daugaard 39%
State Senator Dave Knudson 17%
State Senator Gordon Howie 14%
Former Lieutenant Governor Steve Kirby 11.9%
Rapid City Mayor Alan Hanks 9.9%
State Representative David Novstrup 7.7%
Write-in/Other 0.5%

General Election
While Heidepriem put up a fight, Daugaard outspent and out worked him, and the political climate didn't help much either.

Dennis Dauggard/Scott Michels 59.6%
Scott Heidepriem/Dennis Weise 40.1%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

Senate

Democrats badly wanted to get revenge for John Thune's defeat of Tom Daschle six years prior, as did Daschle who announced he would run on Boxing Day 2009. Unfortunately for Daschle and the Democrats, the same problems that kept him from being named Health and Human Services Secretary followed him here. Both sides raised, and spent large wads of cash (Daschle raised $30.6 Million, spent $20.1 Million, Thune raised $32 Million and spent $19 million). Like in Vermont the incumbent had a scare put into him, but walked away with a modest victory.

General Election

John Thune (R) 53.5%
Tom Daschle (D) 46.5%

At-Large Congressional District

While the race was overshadowed by its Gubernatorial, and especially it's Senatorial counterpart, it was no less important, as Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, found herself in major trouble. Republicans were expected to have a primary battle, but one by one they passed, until State Representative, and former Miss South Dakota Shantel Krebs was the only left standing. Krebs led in every poll after New Year's day 2010, and by Labor Day, the only question, was how much would Herseth Sandlin lose by.

General Election

Shantel Krebs (R) 49%
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin 44%
Terry Begay (L) 4%
Byron Dale (I) 2.5%
Write-in/Other 0.5%

[NewYorkExpress]

North Dakota

With the climate swinging towards the GOP, many expected them to pick up both the Senate and House seat.

Senate

With the rough political climate, many expected Byron Dorgan to retire. However, he surprised everyone by making it clear he would run for re-election, even after popular Governor John Hoeven entered the race for the Republicans. Neither faced any primary challengers, and in a matchup between two popular statewide officials, the battle turned on the political climate, which was bad news for Dorgan. 

General Election

John Hoeven (R) 50.26%
Byron Dorgan (D) 47.19%
Keith Hanson (L) 1.95%
Write-in/Other 0.6%

At-Large Congressional Seat

Congressman Earl Pomeroy was in similar trouble, facing a dismal political mood for Democrats. At first though, he seemed to catch a few breaks, as several candidates declined. Ultimately, Tax Commissioner Cory Fong announced he run on January 16, 2010, and with neither candidate facing a primary became the Republican nominee. Fong led in polls practically from the moment of his entry, and Democrats were focused on saving the Senate seat here so Pomeroy never really got much help. 

General Election

Cory Fong (R) 54.71%
Earl Pomeroy (D) 45.23%
Write-in/Other 0.06%

[NewYorkExpress]

West Virginia

While the state was already trending away from the Democrats, Republicans had modest expectations here at first. But as the climate tilted away form Democrats Nationally, their expectations went up.

Senate (Special)

Robert Byrd had already announced in October 2009, that he would not be a candidate for re-election when his seat came up in 2012. Unfortunately, Byrd would not live quite that long, as he died on June 28, 2010 at 92. West Virginia officials scrambled to reach a decision on what to do next, ultimately deciding on Governor Joe Manchin making an appointment, followed by a Special Election. On July 2, Manchin appointed Attorney Carte Goodwin (who made it clear he would not run for the seat in 2010... but said nothing about 2012). On July 13, however Governor Manchin decided he would not run, a body blow to Democrats hopes. The Republicans best candidate, Shelly Moore Capito, announced she would stick to her re-election campaign on July 17, demoralizing GOP hopes, and making it clear there would be two competitive primaries.

Democrats
State Senator Earl Ray Tomblin 42.4%
State Delegate Richard Iaquinta 35.2%
Former State Delegate Sheril Fletcher 13.1%
Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron 6.3%
Former Secretary of State/Congressman Ken Hechler 2.7%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

Republicans

Former Secretary of State Betty Ireland 47.5%
Businessman/Perennial Candidate John Raese 30.6%
Businessman Mac Warner 9%
Accountant Kenneth Culp 7.9%
Attorney Harry Bruner Jr. 4.75%
Write-in/Other 0.25%

General Election
Polling showed a dead heat, and even with the heavy GOP lean, no was sure who would win on election night. As it turned out, it would take almost twelve days of recounts before the runner-up conceded.


Betty Ireland (R) 45.1892%
Earl Ray Tomblin (D) 45.1857%
Jesse Johnson (Mountain) 5.1311%
Jeff Becker (C) 3.104%
Thomas Ressler (I) 1.21%
Write-in/Other 0.18%

1st Congressional District

Congressman Alan Molhollan found himself in a similar situation to Rick Renzi two years prior, caught in an ethics trap with no real way out. As such he retire on October 17, 2010, almost praying it would help Democrats keep the seat. While Democrats had a serious primary, Republicans nominated Delegate David McKinley without opposition.

Democrats

Former Congressman Harley Staggers Jr. 50.8%
State Delegate Mike Olivero 49.2%

General Election


David McKinley (R) 52.3%
Harley Staggers Jr (D) 47.7%

3rd Congressional District

For the first time in his Congressional career, Nick Rahall faced a difficult re-election. He, as with most Congressman, was nominated unopposed, and at first seemed to dodge a bullet, as former State Supreme Court Justice Spike Maynard entered, and then exited by Labor Day 2009, citing funding issues. Ultimately, State Delegate Troy Andes announced he would run on December 16, 2009. Andes was a political nightmare for Rahall, young dynamic and in many ways personable, and Rahall never really was able to fight back.

General Election

Troy Andes (R) 50.6%
Nick Rahall (D) 43.4%
Businessman Bob Adams (I) 3.9%
Write-in/Other 2.1%

[NewYorkExpress]

Louisiana

The Bayou state had quickly turned rightward post- Hurricane Katrina, and it didn't help that President Obama's names was worse than vermin on the ground here, especially amongst Whites.

Senate

Despite being caught up in the D.C Madam Scandal,  Senator David Vitter led in almost all primary and General Election polling. Still through most of 2009, and early 2010 two  significant challenges to Vitter looked like they would emerge. One was Bobby Jindal, who ran closest to Vitter in all early polling, but withdrew on On December 6, 2009. The other was the State Republican Party Chairman Roger Villaire, who spent most of 2009 suggesting Vitter should retire, and repeatedly hinted that he would primary Vitter.  Unfortunately, Martha Coakley's victory in Massachusetts  put a dash on those hopes, and he announced he would not on January 16, 2010,  using language similar to J.D Hayworth in Arizona. Meanwhile a rather crowded group of Democrats gathered, each hoping hoping the tide bounced enough to force a runoff in December.

Democrats

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco 41%
Former State Senator Paulette Irons 20.1%
New Orleans City Councilwoman Cynthia-Williard Lewis 16.1%
Bossier City Councilman Don Williams 15.6%
Former Shreveport Mayor Keith Hightower 8.1%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

Runoff

Kathleen Blanco (Endorsed by Don Williams) 54.7%
Paulette Irons 45.3% (endorsed by Cynthia Willard-Lewis and Keith Hightower)

General Election-All Parties Primary
While there was no need for a runoff, as Vitter won broke 50% over Blanco and Congressman Anh Cao (who knew full well he wouldn't win re-election, or a statewide primary-so he ran as an Independent here) Democrats were embarrassed, when Cao managed to finish ahead of Blanco on election night (Maybe because he said on  a September 16 debate at the Baton Rouge River Center, that he would caucus as a Republican the Senate, despite speculation from some- James Carville, David Gergen, Joe Trippi leading the way, that he would be a "Moderate Democrat, much like Blanco"


David Vitter (R) 51.4%
Anh Cao (I/R) 30.1%
Kathleen Blanco (D) 18.9%
Write-in/Other 0.6%

2nd Congressional District
Democrats were, even in this year favored to pick up the seat, and after Cao decided to try his luck in the Senate race, Republicans didn't even bother to put up a candidate. Democrats, meanwhile had a crowded primary, and all but assured of the seat, it was interesting to say the least

Democrats

State Representative Jeff Arnold 36%
Former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial 35.75%
Former New Orleans City Councilman David Payton 21.25%
New Orleans City Councilman Arnie Fielkow 6.75%
Write-in/Other 0.25%

Runoff

Marc Morial (Endorsed by Payton and Fielkow) 60.7%
Jeff Arnold 40.3%

3rd Congressional District
Despite passing on the Senate race, Charlie Melancon had no illusions of what awaited him if he ran for re-election. As such on February 7, 2010, Melancon announced he would retire, and by election day had a job waiting as a lobbyist for Marathon Oil (based in Houston, with frequent trips to Austin, Baton Rouge, and Washington D.C). This race was unusual for Louisiana, as only two candidates (total) ran for the seat, with Republicans nominating attorney Jeff Landry, while Democrats chose former State representative Carla Dartez. Landry didn't really need the help National/Statewide Republicans gave him (Bobby Jindal visited his district five times, Eric Cantor three, even Dick Cheney put in a pair of visits). Still, it was clear to all that Landry would romp, especially after Dartez's rather embarrassing 2007 made it's way back out.

General Election

Jeff Landry (R) 65.2%
Carla Dartez (D) 34.4%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

[NewYorkExpress]

Indiana

Both Democrats and Republicans, thought they could make gains here. Republicans cited their relative popularity in the state, while Democrats believed President Obama's victory in 2008 would help them.  

Senate

Evan Bayh's February 2010 decision to run for re-election, kept Democrats competitive, and scared out top Republicans like Mitch Daniels, Dan Coats and Mike Pence. Still, the Indiana GOP had a deep bench, and crowded primary ensued.

Republicans


Congressman Steve Buyer 39%
Former Congressman John Hostettler 33.1%
Former Kokomo Mayor Jim Trobaugh 14.8%
Crowe Horwath LLP CEO Charles Allen 13%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

General Election
While Bayh was able to stay close throughout, the political climate doomed him this year. Indiana Democrats began counting down to 2016, as they knew full well, that they could pick off Buyer for re-election.


Steve Buyer (R) 47.4%
Evan Bayh (D) 43.6%
Rebecca Sink-Burris (L) 8.6%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

2nd Congressional District

Joe Donnelly appeared likely to face a difficult challenge, as two strong GOP opponents geared up against him. Still, he appeared to be a narrow favorite no matter who he faced.

Republicans


State Representative Jackie Walorski 50.9%
Former Congressman David McIntosh 48.2%
Write-in/Other 0.9%

General Election
It would've taken a full week of recounts to determine the winner, but Donnelly spared the district the agony by conceding after two days, though the recount went on without him.


Jackie Walorski (R) 48.993%
Joe Donnelly (D) 48.955%
Mark Vogel (L) 1.772%
Write-in/Others 0.28%

4th Congressional District
With Steve Buyer heading to the Senate, this became an open seat, and it attracted a solid GOP field. Democrats meanwhile, persuaded former Joe Kernan to run here, and he kept things close until the Republican Primaries. The race turned in the GOP's favor after Dan Coats, campaigning for the GOP nominee in Wolcott slammed Kernan for carpetbagging, and for "supporting, fundraising and voting for Barack Obama". Kernan had trouble fighting back, and another opportunity for Democrats was lost.  



Secretary of State Todd Rokita 54.7%
State Senator Brandt Hershman 45.2%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

General Election


Todd Rokita (R) 57.7%
Joe Kernan (D) 42%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

5th Congressional District
Dan Burton surprised almost everyone in Washington by announcing he would retire on January 16, 2010, simply stating that "I don't want them to carry me out of the Capitol in a coffin". He would accept a position as a Board Member for the Project on Middle East Democracies in Late November, replacing Jim Kolbe (who had left that position to run for Arizona Governor). As for the race to succeed Burton, it was crowded on the GOP side, while Democrats got one strong candidate (who was clearly carpet-bagging), this time being former Attorney General Jeff Modisett. Like the fourth district polls showed a close race throughout. Unlike the fourth district, where Joe Kernan held a lead in several polls over the summer, Modesitt's closest were two late June polls from PPP showing a dead heat.

Republicans

Treasurer Richard Mourdock 39%
Former U.S Attorney Susan Brooks 36%
State Representative Michael Murphy 17.2%
Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold 7.4%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

General Election


Richard Mourdock (R) 57.75%
Jeff Modisett (D) 40.1%
Jesse Trueblood (I) 1.45%
Write-in/Other 0.7%

8th Congressional District
The "Bloody Eighth" was once again open, as the incumbent Brad Ellsworth decided to run for the open Treasurer's seat (which he won). This left Democrats in a bit of a bind, while putting Republicans in good position. There were no primaries on either side, as Democrats nominated former Attorney General Joe Hogsett, while Republicans nominated former UPS Chairman Michael Eskew. Despite the heavy Republican tilt, Democrats were able to hold the seat, as Eskew proved to be a poor campaigner.

General Election

Joe Hogsett (D) 55%
Michael Eskew (R) 44.5%
John Cunningham (L) 0.45%
Write-in/Other 0.05%

9th Congressional District

Baron Hill was in trouble heading in the 2010 elections, and outside of Senator Bayh (and Mark Souder, who retired before any real damage could be done about his affair) was the most endangered incumbent in Indiana. His usual foil, Mike Sodrel chose to pass on another rematch to run for Treasurer (he made it through the primary before falling to Brad Ellsworth in November), allowing the Republicans to bring in new faces. such as Clark County Councilman Brian Lenfert, who went surprising unopposed in the GOP primary, and ran an active energetic campaign in the fall, leading to a sizable victory.

General Election

Brian Lenfert (R) 57%
Baron Hill (D) 42.1%
Greg Knott (L) 0.57%
Write-in/Other 0.13%

[NewYorkExpress]

South Carolina

There were very few pundits who thought the Democrats would get anywhere in the Palmetto State, and even fewer that thought there would be many competitive races.

Governor

Most GOP operatives were thrilled that Mark Sanford was term-limited, especially after his "Appalachian Trail" episode. While a strong, and crowded field developed on the Republican side, John Spratt, well aware that he likely would be headed to defeat, if he remained in Congress, entered the race on November 8, 2009, and did not face any primary opposition. 

Republicans


Former Governor David Beasley 34%
Congressman Gresham Barrett 31%
Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer 29.6%
Belton City Councilwoman Kelly Motes Hembree 5.1%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

Runoff-Republicans

Gresham Barrett 53%
David Beasley (Endorsed by Motes Hembree and Bauer) 47%

General Election
While the race generally remained tight, South Carolina's GOP lean, and the Political climate saved Barrett and kept the seat in GOP hands.


Gresham Barrett (R) 49.3%
John Spratt (D) 47.2%
Morgan Reeves (United Citizens) 2.9%
Write-in/Other 0.6%

Senate

Jim DeMint seemed to be operating with one eye on this election and one eye on a possible 2012 bid for the White House (much like Hillary in 2006 though, DeMint wouldn't here a word about the comparison). He glided to renomination, as did State Senator Vincent Sheheen, who faced no opposition in his primary. Unfortunately for Sheheen and the Democrats, DeMint was a popular Senator, in a state that now suited his politics, meaning a win here would be close to impossible.

General Election

Jim DeMint (R) 61.7%
Vincent Sheheen (D) 30.3%
Tom Clements (G) 4.7%
Alvin Greene (L) 3.1%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

5th Congressional District

While many thought the seat was going to flip anyways, John Spratt's decision to run for Governor, likely put the final nails in. Republicans had a competitive primary, enhanced by the open seat, while Democrats nominated former State Senator Tommy Moore. While Moore had trouble fundraising (Many Democrats outside of South Carolina didn't like him because he was now a lobbyist for a trade association), the Republicans were beating up on each other.

Republicans

State Senator Mick Mulvaney 50.3%
Talk Show host Leeza Gibbons 36.2%
Gaffney City Councilman Boone Peeler 12.7%
Write-in/Other 0.8%

General Election
Despite all the attacks in the GOP primary (mostly aimed at Gibbons), it was clear that Moore would not win, as the few Liberals in the district simply skipped the race on their ballots, while Conservatives turned out in droves for Mulvaney.


Mick Mulvaney (R) 60.3%
Tommy Moore (D) 35.7%
Jim Rex (WFP) 3.2%
Write-in/Other 0.8

[NewYorkExpress]

Iowa

Democrats thought they could make additional gains in the Hawkeye State based on President Obama's 2008 victory, while Republicans were quick to remind people that Iowa was still a purple state, and that they had a chance at gains of their own.

Governor

Chet Culver had been in political trouble even before the Republican tsunami made itself known, and while he dodged a bullet when former Governor Terry Branstad passed on a return to the Governor's mansion, it only opened up the GOP primary, and most of them led him in polling.

Republicans
Former Congressman Greg Ganske 35.3%
Former Congressman Tom Tauke 25.5%
Former Congressman Jim Ross Lightfoot 22.5%
Businessman Bob Vander Plaats 15.4%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

General Election

While Culver was able to keep the race close for most of the summer and early Autumn, Ganske began pulling away after Columbus Day.


Greg Ganske/Kim Reynolds (R) 54.7%
Chet Culver/Patty Judge (D) 41.1%
Eric Cooper/Nick Weitha (L) 1.9%
David Rosenfeld/Helen Meyers (Socialist Workers) 1.3%
Jonathan Narcisse/Rick Marlar (Iowa Party) 0.6%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

Senate

Senator Charles Grassley surprised most of the country (and all of his colleagues), by announcing his retirement on February 12, 2010, stating that he "no longer felt he was the best candidate to win this race". Democrats, who had already been putting together a crowded primary field to face Grassley, now thought they had a chance at picking up the seat. Unfortunately that feeling didn't last long, as on February 16, Former Governor Terry Branstad entered the race for the Republicans. He would face no opposition in securing the nomination, and Democrats hopes turned sour once more.

Democrats

Former Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson 39%
Former US Attorney Roxanne Conlin 27%
Former Lieutenant Governor Robert Anderson 26.3%
Former Des Moines Mayor Preston Daniels 6.9%
Write-in/Other 1%

General Election

Terry Branstad (R) 57.4%
Sally Pederson (D) 40.2%
John Heiderschit (L) 1.8%
Write-in/Other 0.6%

1st Congressional District

Bruce Braley was expected to hold onto the rather swingy district, but the political winds gave him huge trouble, especially when State Senator Shawn Hamerlinck, entered the race for the Republicans. Neither candidate faced a primary, and Hamerlinck built a lead through the summer. Despite a late charge from Braley in October, Hamerlinck would add another seat to the GOP column.

General Election

Shawn Hamerlinck (R) 50.3%
Bruce Braley (D) 47.7%
Rob Petsche (L) 1.65%
Write-in/Other 0.35%

2nd Congressional District

Dave Loebsack was in  trouble, despite the district being Iowa's most liberal. Republicans ran Iowa City Councilwoman Michelle Payne against him, and despite some grumbling (mostly from Bob Vander Plaats supporters) she did not face a primary. Loebsack also didn't face a primary, and the race was close right down to election day.

General Election

David Loebsack (D) 48.9%
Michelle Payne (R) 46.3%
Gary Joesph Sicard (L) 2.2%
Jon Tack (C) 1.5%
Write-in/Other 1.1%

3rd Congressional District

Leonard Boswell was in trouble, and despite being pulled out of the fire in 2006, now had a difficult headwind to climb against. On top of that, Republicans had found a solid candidate in State Senator Brad Zaun. Zaun led in polls from the word go, and the lead never fluctuated much, an ominous sign for Boswell.

General Election

Brad Zaun (R) 50.1%
Leonard Boswell (D) 48.5%
Rebecca Williamson (Socialist Workers) 1.5%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

5th Congressional District

Steve King's habit of saying rather stupid things, led many National Democrats to think that they could pick up the seat despite the GOP wave, and the districts general conservative tilt. State Senator Michael Gronstal entered the race for the Democrats, and quickly raced out to a lead. King never did figure out that he needed to keep his mouth shut, and so the race balanced from tight, to modest Gronstal lead depending on what King said. On election night, it became clear that King had said too much, as despite the district's lean, despite the anti-Democrat mood, Gronstal had pulled off a massive upset. Local Republicans immediately began canvassing for 2012, as they knew they would be favored.

General Election

Michael Gronstal (D) 46.2%
Steve King (R) 45%
Martin James Monroe (I) 8.3%
Write-in/Other 0.5%

[NewYorkExpress]

New Hampshire

Republicans knew they would make gains in a swing state, that seemed to bend with the mood of the people. The only question, as vocalized by Rush Limbaugh, was how many.

Governor

While some thought that John Lynch would run for Senate, he put those rumors to rest on July 7, 2009, announcing he would run for re-election. Republicans were going to have a competitive primary, but on August 10, 2009 Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, announced she would enter the race, and within a week, all other opponents had cleared out of Ayotte's path. Lynch led through most of 2010, but Ayotte took the lead after a televised debate on September 6, 2010 at the Hinsdale Raceway, in Hinsdale, where she expressed opposition to the Citizens United decision, on the grounds that "it wasn't the courts business". She never looked back from there. 

General Election

Kelly Ayotte (R) 52.9%
John Lynch (D) 46.1%
John Babiraz (L) 0.7%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

Senate

After Judd Gregg's melodrama regarding a appointment as Commerce Secretary (a position that ultimately went to Gary Locke), many felt that the incumbent had no chance at re-election, and so he duly retired. Former Governor Craig Benson entered the race in August of 2009, and despite misgivings from National Republicans, no challenger emerged. Democrats meanwhile nominated former State Senator Joseph Foster without any opposition. While Benson started with a huge lead (mostly based on name recognition), Foster quickly caught up as old stories (and some new) of Benson's term as Governor were rehashed. By election day, Foster had a narrow lead.

General Election

Joseph Foster (D) 48.3%
Craig Benson (R) 47.7%
Ken Blevens (L) 3.8%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

1st Congressional District

While both of New Hampshire's Congresspeople were in trouble, Carol Shea-Porter arguably had it worse, as she did not raise money particularly well. While she dodged two bullets when Frank Giunta, and Jeb Bradley both decided not to run, there were still many more minefields to dodge, and as the Republicans built a primary, local Democrats grew more worried.

Republicans

General Counsel; Americans United for Life- Ovide Lamontagne 45%
Rye Selectman Joseph Mills Jr. 15%
Seabrook Selectman Aboul Khan 14%
Laconia City Councilwoman Brenda Baer 12%
Tilton Selectwoman Katharine Dawson 9.6%
Alton Selectman David Hussey 4.3%
Write-in/Other 1.1%

General Election
While Lamontagne was by no means the best candidate to take the seat, most analysts thought he was good enough. While the race started out tight, Lamontagne began to pull away, as October began.


Ovide Lamontagne (R) 50.9%
Carol Shea-Porter (D) 48.6%
Phillip Hodson (L) 0.42%
Write-in/Other 0.08%

2nd Congressional District

While Paul Hodes chose not to run for the Senate, he was well aware that he faced an uphill climb to retain his seat. He faced the man he'd defeated in 2006 (and lost to 2004) Charles Bass in November. While Bass held a lead for almost the entire campaign, Hodes closed the gap in October, to make the race a true tossup.

General Election

Charles Bass (R) 50.2%
Paul Hodes (D) 49.4%
Howard Wilson (L) 0.3%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

[NewYorkExpress]

Michigan

While the Wolverine State had been a Democratic stronghold for a few decades now, Republicans knew they could make many gains here. Pundits also felt that way, with Stu Rothenberg and Charlie Cook stating that Michigan was a battleground for control of the House of Representatives.

Governor

Jennifer Granholm was term-limited, and while she wasn't exiting as unpopular as some of her colleagues (or previous Governors), she still was unpopular. It also didn't help that her two post-office gigs that she had landed were on MSNBC (Analyst during Morning Joe and Rachel Maddow Show) and Current TV (Hosting The War Room). Republicans felt they could pick up the seat, but they needed a strong candidate. Democrats knew that despite Granholm's relative unpopularity, they were still the favorites. Competitive primaries developed on both sides, however, buoyed by the open seat.

Republicans

Congressman Peter Hoekstra 28.8%
Attorney General Mike Cox 25.8%
State Senator Tom George 16.3%
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard 13.7%
Clinton County Sheriff Wayne Kangas 9.4%
Montcalm County Treasurer Marcia Sardy 3.9%
Stanton Mayor Bob Burns 1.7%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

Democrats

Congressman Bart Stupak 30.2%
Former Congresswoman Lynn Rivers 27.1%
Former Congressman William Brodhead 23.7%
State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith 16%
Former Detroit City Councilwoman Sharon McPhail 2.7%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

General Election

Despite grumbling from liberals about Stupak "basically being a Republican anyways", he led in most polls through the summer and early fall. By Election day Hoekstra had caught up however, and with several minor party candidates on the ballot, anything could happen. The key to race turned out to be running mates, especially for Stupak.


Peter Hoekstra/Brian Calley (R) 45.9%
Bart Stupak/Joe Dumars (D) 45.7%
Harley Mikkelson/Lynn Meadows (G) 5.2%
Kenneth Procter/Baghwan Dashirwa (L) 2.7%
Stacy Mathia/Chris Levels (Constitution/US Taxpayers) 0.4%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

1st Congressional District

Bart Stupak's decision to run for Governor appeared likely to cost Democrats this seat. While both sides did have contested primaries, Republicans had more candidates running, than the Democrats did.

Republicans

State Senator Mike Prusi 37%
State Representative Gary McDowell 33%
State Representative Joel Sheltrown 29.7%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

Republicans

State Senator/Former Congressman James Barcia 37%
State Senator Jason Allen 33.2%
Physician Dan Benishek 15%
Trucking Company Owner Don Hooper 8%
Alpena Mayor Matt Waligora 6.6%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

General Election

Barcia's return to Congress was among the bigger surprises of the season, and also one of the biggest in Michigan politics (right up there with the Detroit Pistons GM agreeing to run for Lieutenant Governor). Now all he had to do was hope redistricting didn't screw him over again in 2012.


James Barcia (R) 53.6%
Mike Prusi (D) 41.9%
Keith Shelton (L) 2.7%
Ellis Boal (G) 1.7%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

2nd Congressional District

Despite Dave Hoekstra's run for (and election as) Governor, this race was not expected to be competitive. That changed on November 16, 2009 when Department of Civil Rights Board member Lisa-Peeples Hurst announced she would enter the race as a Democrat. She did not face any primary opposition, while the Republicans had a spirited primary.

Republicans

State Representative Bill Huizenga 30.9%
State Senator Wayne Kuipers 24%
Retired Stock Car Racer Tim Steele 15%
Zeeland Mayor Kevin Klynstra 11%
Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund 8.2%
Retired Police Officer Fred Schendel 7.2%
Grant Mayor Tony Fett 3.6%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

General Election

Huizenga and Peeples-Hurst traded the lead back and forth for most of Fall campaign, but by Halloween, Huizenga had pulled ahead for the final time following an pair of ad that slammed  Peeples-Harris for carpetbagging and "crying wolf about racism". The NAACP sharply criticized the second ad, as did most Democrats and Republicans (the only politicians or related individuals to express support of any kind for Huizenga at that point were Haley Barbour and Tony Perkins). As it turned out, though the first ad had more impact with the electorate anyways.


Bill Huizenga (R) 52%
Lisa Peeples Hurst (D) 44.7%
Joseph Gillote (G) 2.9%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

3rd Congressional District

Congressman Vern Ehlers decision to retire surprised very few in his district. The race was not expected to be competitive, but like in the second district, Democrats got a decent recruit (though said recruit did have to carpetbag over). Meanwhile a competitve primary was building on the Republican side of the aisle, and they too would nominate a strong candidate, setting the stage for a pitched battle in Gerald Ford's old district.

Republicans

Former Lieutenant Governor Dick Posthumus 47%
State Senator Bill Hardiman 27%
State Representative Justin Amash 14%
Former Grand Rapids Mayor John Logie 11.7%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

General Election

Despite Democrats recruiting former Governor James Blanchard, the Republican lean of the district, coupled with a favorable climate kept the seat in GOP hands.


Dick Posthumus (R) 52.2%
James Blanchard (D) 46.6%
James Rogers (L) 1.07%
Write-in/Other 0.13%

7th Congressional District

Mark Schauer's 2008 victory had been a bit of a surprise, and he started as the underdog, especially as two former Congressman ran to unseat him.

Republicans

Former Congressman Tim Walberg 57.9%
Former Congressman Joe Schwarz 42.1%

General Election

While Joe Schwarz had put up a game effort, he had been exposed as a bit behind the times in losing badly to Walberg, While Schauer was much more "hip" on current campaign strategies momentum was on Walberg's side and wouldn't let it go, adding another seat to the GOP column.


Tim Walberg 57%
Mark Schauer 42.1%
Greg Merle 0.75%
Write-in/Other 0.25%

[NewYorkExpress]

Colorado

Democrats had made serious gains here in 2008, but Republicans seemed energized, despite President Obama's victory, and early leads in 2012 polling.

Governor

Despite growing unpopularity, Governor Bill Ritter announced on January 7, 2010, that he was indeed running for re-election, and despite half-hearted attempts by National Democrats to recruit a primary challenger, went unopposed in the Democratic primary. Republicans had a contested race, and while former Congressman Scott McInnis enjoyed a wide early lead over primary opponents and Ritter, a plagiarism scandal closed the gap in the primary, and appeared to make the General Election more Competitive. No matter who won, there would be a new Lieutenant Governor, as Barbara O'Brien decided to for the Senate seat (Ritter would tap interim Senator Michael Bennett as the nominee on May 11, 2010).

Republicans

Former Congressman Scott McInnis 34.97%
Congressman Tom Tancredo 34.23%
State Senator Ted Harvey 29%
Businessman Cleve Tidwell 1.6%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

Ritter's choice of Lieutenant Governor actually put him ahead for the first time, and he kept a small lead right through the the lone debate, held on October 17, at Steinbaugh Pavilion in Louisville, where he slammed McInnis on ethics charges (some of which turned out be false later). The Lieutenant Gubernatorial nominees also debated once, in Carbondale on October 21.

General Election

Bill Ritter/Michael Bennett (D) 48.9%
Scott McInnis/Dan Maes (R) 47%
Jamies Brown/Ken Wyble (L) 2.8%
Paul Fiorino/Heather McKibbin (I) 1.1%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

Senate

With Ken Salazar now Secretary of the Interior, someone needed to fill his Senate seat. Micheal Bennett was appointed, but on July 17, 2009 said he would not run for a full term, setting off a free-for all on both sides of the aisle (Bennett would later be elected Lieutenant Governor).

Republican

Former Lieutenant Governor Jane Norton 48%
NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback John Elway 47.5%
Sterling Mayor Courtney Hewitt 4.5%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

Democrats

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper 39.1%
Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien 37.2%
Former Lieutenant Governor Samuel Cassidy 22.9%
Write-in/Other 0.8%

General Election

After the media interest in Elway's run died down, it quickly became clear that Democrats would hold the seat. Polls consistently showed Hickenlooper holding a modest, but steady advantage, and it didn't look like that would change.


John Hickenlooper (D) 50%
Jane Norton (R) 47.1%
Mac Stringer (L) 2.6%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

3rd Congressional District

The Western slope district was once again expected to be competitive, and it didn't disappoint, with both incumbent John Salazar and State Representative Scott Tipton making through their respective primaries. Tipton began to pull away after a Crossroads GPS ad accusing Salazar of "getting to Congress on nepotism" (which Tipton disavowed and called for it's removal, though Karl Rove refused to take it down saying winning the election was more important, and they could fine him later) and ultimately won (though some liberals wanted to block him from being seated)

General Election

Scott Tipton (R) 55%
John Salazar (D) 43.7%
Gregory Gilman (L) 1.21%
Write-in/Others 0.09%

4th Congressional District

Betsy Markey was in deep trouble to start in her conservative-leaning district, and State Representative Cory Gardner's entrance made a bad situation worse. Markey was never really close, and ultimately lost by a wide margin.

General Election

Cory Gardner (R) 58.9%
Betsy Markey (D) 40.1%
Ken Waskiewicz (I) 0.8%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

7th Congressional District

While Ed Perlmutter didn't start in trouble, his opponent Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier presented a potential threat should something go wrong. Unfortunately for Perlmutter, September 16, 2010 sunk his candidacy, as he called his opponent "a little kid who should be riding on tricycle", used a racial slur to refer to Mexican Agriculture Secretary Francisco Javier Mayorga Castaneda (who was conferencing with U.S Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in Denver on that day), and called Billy Graham and Jerry Falwell (Who had died three years ago) "demons" all in the same speech . Needless to say, Frazier won easily, as Democrats pulled their support. Some Republicans daringly suggested that penance should include Democrats not running a candidate until Frazier retired, but they were duly ignored.

General Election

Ryan Frazier (R) 52%
Ed Perlmutter (D) 45.5%
Buck Bailey (L) 2.47%
Write-in/Others 0.03%

[NewYorkExpress]

Rhode Island

While Rhode Island was mostly dominated by Democrats, like most New England States, it was more moderate than most of them, giving Republicans hope that they could hold what they had at the minimum.

Governor

Incumbent Governor Donald Carcieri was term-limited, and was the second least popular outgoing Governor in the country (the least popular being California's Arnold Schwarzenegger), a situation which was expected to hurt Republicans here. However, on November 17, 2009, Former Senator Lincoln Chafee announced he would return to to the Republican Party and run for Governor. Despite heavy threats of a primary challenge (mainly based on his endorsement of President Obama in 2008), no challenger emerged mainly because Chafee was able to raise huge sums of money. Chafee also won the endorsement of Ken Block, who had been considering a run on his Moderate party line (though the Moderates would still run a candidate) in February 2010. Democrats meanwhile, had a competitive primary, though everyone trailed Chafee.

Democrats

Treasurer Frank Caprio 49%
Former Mayor of Providence Joseph Paolino 20.4%
Former Cranston Mayor Michael Napolitano 17%
State Senator John McBurney III 13.2%
Write-in/Other 0.4%


General Election

Chafee held a wide lead throughout the campaign, prompting an endorsement from President Obama (who Chafee had endorsed in 2008) on October 16, 2010. Caprio's response, accusing Obama of throwing him under the bus, would become legendary in Rhode Island politics for years to come, but it wouldn't slow Chafee. If anything it hurt Caprio, and left him risking finishing third behind the Moderate Party nominee.


Lincoln Chafee (R) 57.9%
Frank Caprio (D) 21.6%
Robert Clark Corrente (Moderate) 19.1%
Todd Giroux (I) 0.6%
Joesph Lusi (I) 0.3%
Ronald Algieri (I) 0.3%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

1st Congressional District

Patrick Kennedy (yes, one of those Kennedy's) announced shortly before Christmas 2009 (about four months after his father Ted's death) that he would leave his Congressional seat, and run for the Attorney General's seat (the incumbent Patrick Lynch was term-limited), a race which Kennedy won. The race succeed Kennedy, actually became competitive. Democrats nominated former Lieutenant Governor Charles Fogarty, while Republicans had a contested primary. That the race got competitive in October 2010, was largely attributed to Lincoln Chafee's in-state coattails, as National Republicans made no effort here at all.

Republicans

State Representative Robert Watson 37%
Former Lieutenant Governor Bernard Jackvony 21%
Former Congressman/Bryant University President Ronald Machtley 18%
Businessman John Robitaille 17.1%
Rhode Island College President Nancy Carriuolo 6.7%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

General Election

Charles Fogarty (D) 49.5%
Robert Watson (R) 44%
Arlene Violet (Moderate) 6.3%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

[NewYorkExpress]

Minnesota

Democrats were riding high following Al Franken's narrow Senate victory, and President Obama's strong eleven point win two years prior. Republicans knew that if the climate turned in their favor, they could still make some noise.

Governor

Despite being a likely 2012 Presidential candidate, Tim Pawlenty decided not to follow Mitt Romney's example of four years prior, and announced he would run for a third term on December 17, 2009. While many analysts thought that this put the seat out of reach for Democrats (a group led by Stu Rothenburg, Michelle Malikn, David Gergen and Nancy Snyderman), Democrats felt that even if they couldn't defeat Pawlenty a close race could knock him out of the 2012 Presidential race, and as such a crowded field formed to oppose him. Only one candidate dropped out between the April 24 State Convention (including the convention itself) and the August primary- Former Congressman Rick Nolan, who had finished second from the bottom in the convention.

Democrats

State Representative Margaret Anderson Kelliher 27%
Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner 13%
Luverne Mayor/Former State Representative Andy Steensma 12.5%
State Representative Tom Rukavina 11.9%
State Senator Debbie Johnson 10.6%
Former Duluth Mayor Gary Doty 10%
Bronze Sculptor Nicholas Legeros 8.9%
Saint Louis County Commissioner Steve Rakaur 6%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

General Election

Kelliher was, after a few fits and starts, able to do exactly what National Democrats asked of her-keep the race with the (relatively) popular Pawlenty close enough to discourage him from running in 2012. Pawlenty would admit to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that if hadn't been for the GOP wave "Anderson Kelliher probably would have won".


Tim Pawlenty/Carol Molnau (R) 47.2%
Margaret Anderson Kelliher/Yvonne Prettner Solon 46% (DFL)
Joe Repya/Tom Horner (Independence) 6.1%
Farheen Hakeem/Dan Dittman 0.5% (G)
Write-in/Other 0.2%

1st Congressional District

Tim Walz would probably be sweating a bit, as his district generally had been represented by Republicans over it's history, potentially making him easy pickings. On August 7, 2009 former Congressman Gil Gutknecht announced, that after a two year gap, he would seek his old Congressional seat. Two days later, his only primary opponent, Randy Demmer announced he would exit the race and run for re-election to his State Representatives seat instead. Gutknecht ,buoyed by the rising GOP wave did not trail in a single poll after Flag Day 2010 (though several were tied through the summer).

General Election

Gil Gutknecht (R) 50.3%
Tim Walz (DFL) 46.4%
Steven Wilson (Independence) 2.9%
Lars Johnson (Free Party) 0.31%
Write-in/Other 0.09%

5th Congressional District

While no one thought Keith Ellison would lose, many National Republicans wanted to knock him out anyways (though most didn't dare say so).  Republicans managed to convince former Secretary of State (and current State Representative) Mary Kiffmeyer to carpetbag over and run here. While the race was close during the Spring and Summer, Kiffmeyer's support collapsed after a Ted Nugent campaign rally in Richfield on August 29, where he told supporters to "vote out and lynch the terrorist", referring to Ellison. Kiffmeyer wouldn't apologize for another week, (and Nugent never did... and stated if it was in his power he would have personally lynched Ellison), but her chances of ever winning political office in Minnesota again were gone.

General Election

Keith Ellison (DFL) 69%
Mary Kiffmeyer (R) 28.7%
Lynn Torgeson (I) 1.9%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

6th Congressional District
Like Tim Pawlenty, Michelle Bachmann was considering a 2012 Presidential run. However, she had Steve King's "mediahogitius" and simply couldn't stop saying dumb things, leading Democrats to believe that they could take her out. Unlike in King's case, a competitive primary ensued on the Democratic side.

Democrats


State Senator Tarryl Clark 47%
State Senator Steve Simon 38.6%
Former Minnesota Transportation Commissioner/2008 Nominee Elwyn Tinklenberg 13.9%
Write-in/Other 0.5%

General Election
Like Steve King, Bachmann's inability to keep her mouth shut, cost her the election. Unlike King, who didn't seem to mind retirement, Bachmann, indicated she would be "back" in her concession speech (which wasn't a concession at all, really).


Tarryl Clark (DFL) 47.2%
Michelle Bachmann (R) 45%
Tim Penny (Independence) 7.71%
Write-in/Other 0.01%

8th Congressional District

Heading in 2010, Jim Oberstar's name was on a large number of retirement watch lists. However, Oberstar announced he would run again in June of 2009, and began as the favorite. Only one Republican, retired Pilot Chip Cravaack ran against Oberstar, and beginning in January 2010 the race began to tighten. By Memorial Day, the race was tied, and by the beginning of August Cravaack had pulled out to a narrow lead, which he would not give up.

General Election


Chip Cravaack (R) 49.7%
Jim Oberstar (DFL) 49.5%
Timothy Olson (Independence) 0.7%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

[NewYorkExpress]

Missouri

As the only battleground state won by John McCain in 2008, things didn't look good for Missouri Democrats, and things never really got better as Obama's approval cratered early. Republicans weren't faring much better, as they had to deal with a popular Governor in Jay Nixon, and their own approval ratings still hadn't recovered from the worst moments of the Bush Administration, meaning the Show-Me State would again be a tossup. 

Senate

Kit Bond's April 9, 2009 announcement that he would retire, sent shockwaves through the Missouri political community (Bond would later join the Law Firm, Thompson Coburn). After quick denials of interest from Roy Blunt, John Ashcroft, John Danforth, Jay Nixon and Bob Holden, competitive fields formed on both sides.

Democrats


State Representative Jim Kreider 42.7%
State Senator Rita Heard Days 30.1%
Former St. Louis Mayor Clarence Harmon 26.9%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

Republicans

Former Senator Jim Talent 52%
Former Ambassador to Luxembourg/RNC Co-Chair Ann Wagner 25%
State Senator Chuck Purgason 17%
Carterville Mayor Dave Davenport 5.8%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

General Election
Talent had name recognition compared to his opponent, and while Kreider traveled around the state slamming him, it wasn't even close to enough.


Jim Talent (R) 63.1%
Jim Kreider (D) 32.1%
Jerry Beck (C) 2.2%
Jonathan Dine (L) 2.2%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

3rd Congressional District

While Russ Carnahan didn't start out as vulnerable, but it quickly became reality as Jim Talent raced out to a huge lead in the Senate Race, and the climate generally turned away from Republicans. Their nominee was former Governor Matt Blunt, who had exited his term in office unpopular, and some Republicans were worried that would carry over here. They needn't have, as the GOP wave washed away Carnahan, and put Blunt on the path back towards state-wide office (plus he joined his father in Congress, something one doesn't see every day)

General Election

Matt Blunt (R) 51.5%
Russ Carnahan (D) 47%
Steven Hedrick (L) 1.4%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

4th Congressional District

Ike Skelton surprised a few people when he announced on May 19, 2009, that he would retire, citing declining health, but when people looked back, they might have thought Skelton was a prophet, as Republicans swept the district. Their nominee, State Representative Vicky Hartzler, went surprisingly unopposed for a seat that was open for the first time since 1976. Democrats too, had an unusually quiet field, and after trouble recruiting a candidate, nominated Kansas City Councilman Melba Curls. Between Curls's carpetbagging, Hartzler's chops as a candidate, and the general GOP wave, this seat was gone from the word go, and by October 2010, there were polls out showing that Skelton too, would have fallen in this race.

General Election


Vicky Hartzler (R) 59.4%
Melba Curls (D) 37.9%
Thomas Holbrook (L) 2.6%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

[NewYorkExpress]

Kentucky

Despite Democrats holding most of the State-Wide offices, Republicans were in firm control at the Federal level, and no one really felt that either dynamic would change in 2010 (or 2011, when the Statewide offices were up).

Senate

Jim Bunning had become a quite controversial Senator over his two terms, so Republicans were happy to see him announce his retirement on July 27, 2009. Democrats weren't too broken up either, as Bunning had been a consistent thorn in their side, and they felt they could still win the seat, as none of the potential GOP candidates had Mitch McConnell's warchest. Both sides had contested primaries, and many thought that the Bluegrass State would join New Hampshire in the Democratic column on Election Night (National and in-state Democrats were less bullish, they thought the race was at best a tossup).

Republicans

Secretary of State Trey Grayson 30.8%
State Representative Myron Dossett 19.1%
State Representative Sal Santoro 15%
State Senator Elizabeth Tori 14.3%
Kentucky Mountain Bible College Thomas Lorimer 12.2%
Clay City Mayor Jimmy Caudill 7%
Former Superintendent of Public Education John Stephenson 6.2%
Evarts City Councilwoman Shelly Shackleford 5.7%
Elsmere Mayor Marty Lenhof 5.2%
Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin 2.7%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

Democrats

Attorney General Jack Conway 34.9%
Former Attorney General/Speaker, Kentucky House of Representatives Greg Stumbo 29%
Former Congressman Mike Ward 24.2%
Louisville Metro Councilwoman Cindi Fowler 11.6%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

General Election

The race remained close, but throughout the summer and fall, Grayson maintained, a modest, but relatively consistent lead, and the DSCC, which had been airing ads here, was forced to pull out and play defense beginning in late September.


Trey Grayson (R) 51.3%
Jack Conway (D) 47.5%
Darlene Fitzgerald-Price (I) 0.7%
Write-in/Other 0.5%

3rd Congressional District

While both of Kentucky's two Democratic Congressman sat on shaky ground, most thought John Yarmuth would be in better shape, citing the partisan lean of his district. Early on it looked like the pundits would be right, as former Congresswoman Ann Northrup passed on a second rematch, but the political climate headed south quickly, and Yarmuth found himself trailing his opponent, Louisville Metro Councilwoman Robin Engel.Engel never let up on Yarmuth, and earned what many pundits saw as a major upset.

General Election


Robin Engel (R) 49.6%
John Yarmuth (D) 46.3%
Todd Lally (I) 3%
Edward Martin (L) 0.8%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

6th Congressional District

Republicans, and even some Democrats saw Ben Chandler as a goner, and Rand Paul (son of Ron)'s entry into the race. while it scared Republicans, did nothing to help Barr or Democrats. Neither Paul (despite prayers from some Republicans) or Chandler faced primary opponents, and polls continued to show Chandler trailing by increasingly large margins.

General Election

Rand Paul (R) 58.47%
Ben Chandler (D) 41.53%

[NewYorkExpress]

Georgia

Republicans were expected to make more gains in the Peach state, with President Obama not on the ballot, but there were questions about how many.

Governor

Sonny Purdue was term-limited, and while he exited office relatively popular, Democrats thought they could recapture their historic control on the Governor's mansion. Unfortunately for them their best candidates (Roy Barnes, John Barrow and Mark Taylor) all passed on the race, leaving an unproven and eclectic field of Democrats battling for the nomination. Republicans also had a crowded primary, as they got more than one strong candidate to enter the race. Both nominations would go to runoffs, and with Republicans the favorite, theirs would be watched more closely than their Democratic Opponents.

Democrats

Attorney General Thurbert Baker 29.74%
Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin 26.18%
Former Secretary of State/Labor Commissioner David Poythress 19.08%
State Representative Barbara Massey Reece 13%
State Representative DuBose Porter 9.17%
Retired NFL player Barney Bussey 2%
Write-in/Other 0.93%

Democrats-Runoff

Shirley Franklin (endorsed by David Poythress, DuBose Porter, and Barbara Massey Reece) 52.79%
Thurbert Baker (endorsed by Barney Bussey) 47.21%

Republicans

Secretary of State Karen Handel 31.95%
Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine 24.71%
State Senator Eric Johnson 19.6%
State Senator Jeff Chapman 11.7%
Columbus Linos Co-Owner Keith Norred 8.19%
Businessman Eugene Yu 3.67%
Write-in/Other 0.18%

Runoff-Republicans

Karen Handel 61.72%
John Oxendine 38.28%

General Election
While Democrats were cautiously optimistic about their chances, the reality was even if Franklin ran a perfect campaign, it probably wouldn't be enough, as Handel was running run as well. There was some good news though, for the Democrats, as they regained the Lieutenant Governor's chair, behind Michelle Nunn.


Karen Handel (R) 57.5%
Shirley Franklin (D) 38.6%
Bob Barr (L) 3.7%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

Senate

While there had been speculation that Johnny Isakson would retire, those rumors proved to be unfounded when Isakson announced he would run for re-election in May of 2009. Just like in the Governor's race the Democrats would need a runoff to determine their nominee, but Republicans were confident that Isakson could beat any opponent he faced.

Democrats

Former Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor 37.8%
Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond 31%
Former Congresswoman Denise Majette 15%
Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard 9.2%
Former Macon Mayor Lee Robinson 6.1%

Democrats-Runoff

Michael Thurmond (Endorsed by Denise Majette and Dorothy Hubbard) 50.45%
Mark Taylor (Endorsed by Lee Robinson) 49.55%

General Election
Thanks a bloody primary (mostly from Majette) and a very bloody runoff (on both sides), Democrats had a split party, and while Taylor didn't get a round to endorsing the foe that beat him, it took almost a month from runoff. It couldn't have been a sharper contrast from the Governor's race-and Johnny Isakson was no pushover. The stage was set for a blowout.


Johnny Isakson (R) 65.76%
Michael Thurmond (D) 30.04%
Cynthia McKinney (G) 3.97%
Write-in/Other 0.25%

2nd Congressional District

Sanford Bishop's May 19, 2009 announcement that he would run for Lieutenant Governor (he would lose in a runoff to Michelle Nunn), surprised most Democrats, and even some Republicans. Both sides had clear primaries, with Republicans nominating State Representative Mike Keown, while Democrats nominated Columbus City Councilwoman Evelyn Woodson, a rather startling development in district that 47% African American. While Woodson acquitted herself well, Keown had started earlier (he announced his run before 2008 had even ended) and as such gave Republicans another pickup, this time in Jimmy Carter's home district.

General Election

Mike Keown (R) 50.18%
Evelyn Woodson (D) 48.97%
Write-in/Other 0.85%

7th Congressional District
While most thought John Linder would retire in 2010, few thought he would exit and run for Secretary of State (He defeated State Senator Gail Buckner in November). Most of the action was expected to be on the GOP side, but Democrats got two surprisingly strong candidates of their own (or so they thought)

Democrats

State Senator Doug Stoner 53.9%
Former Congressman George Darden 47%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

Republicans

State Senator Don Balfour 50.7%
State Senator David Shafer 38.9%
Talk Show Host/Retired Pastor Jody Hice 10.25%
Write-in/Other 0.15%

General Election

While Republicans were heavily favored, their eyes mostly elsewher during the campaign and Stoner tried to use that to his advantage. While it led to increased percentage for Democrats here, it was nowhere near enough for a Stoner victory.


Don Balfour (R) 58.5%
Doug Stoner (D) 41.5%

8th Congressional District
Jim Marshall, as one of the last White Southern Democrats, was in trouble from the word go. Republicans were able to clear the field for State Representative Austin Scott, who campaigned tirelessly. By Election Night, it was clear that this would be one the first races called in Georgia (only the, Labor Commissioner's race, where Terry Coleman was running unopposed, would be called faster).

General Election

Austin Scott (R) 62.7%
Jim Marshall (D) 37.3%

12th Congressional District

For the first time, many thought John Barrow would face quality primary opponents and top-shelf general election opposition. However, only half that prediction came true, as Democrats, led by Roy Barnes and Sam Nunn were able to keep Barrow from receiving any primary opposition. Republicans however had two strong candidates waiting in the wings, and both were favored.

Republicans

Businesswoman Kelli Loeffler 53.9%
Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Billy Payne 46.1%

Loeffler was able to both raise and spend sums of money that would have otherwise been considered obscene in a House race, and easily added another district to the GOP column.

General Election


Kelly Loeffler (R) 55.94%
John Barrow (D) 44.06%

[NewYorkExpress]

Massachussets

While Martha Coakley's January Senate Special election victory had energized Republicans, no one really thought they'd be able to make noise here... but some had other ideas.

Governor

The conventional wisdom was that Deval Patrick would win an uncomfortable, but gritty victory come November 2010, but that was turned on its head when Patrick accepted an offer to be President Obama's third Chief of Staff on February 17, 2010, after Rahm Emanuel left to run for Mayor of Chicago, and his replacement, Bill Daley bombed (he would announce his resignation on January 16, 2010 with Nancy-Ann DeParle serving as interim Chief of Staff from March 1, 2010 until January 2011). Both sides would have contested primaries, and while Democrats were persuaded to scrap the State Convention and have just a primary, Republicans agreed to have a convention if no one got more than 35% in the primary. While most pundits still thought Democrats were favored, there was also the complications of Jill Stein (running on the Rainbow-Green line) and Christy Mihos (who like 2006 was running as an Independent).

Republicans

Former Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey 41%
Former Secretary for Elder Affairs Jennifer Davis Carey 22.6%
Former Secretary of Housing and Community Development Mary Padula 12.2%
Former State GOP Chairman Andrew Nastios 10.9%
Former State GOP Chairman/President Easterly Capital Darrell Crate 9.6%
Former US Attorney Frank McNamara (dropped out a week before the primary) 3.6%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

Democrats

Congressman Stephen Lynch 39.37%
Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray 38.31%
Boston City Councilman Michael Flaherty 15.15%
Boston City Clerk Rosaria Salerno 7.07%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

General Election

Despite taking two additional weeks to be declared the winner, Lynch came out of the gate to a huge lead, and never really let go. The big drama turned out to be Healey's Lieutenant Governor nominee this time around, and how much of the vote Stein and Mihos would get.


Stephen Lynch/Donald Stern (D) 54.2%
Kerry Healey/Michael Sullivan (R) 39.3%
Christy Mihos/Ray Hendrickson (CEO of Christian Book Distributors, based in Essex, Massachusetts) (I) 4%
Jill Stein/Richard Purcell (Rainbow/Green) 2.1%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

While some thought Stephen Lynch's vacated seat would become competitive, those people were wrong, as State Representative Linda Dorcena Ferry breezed past weak Libertarian and Rainbow-Green opponents to earn her seat. There were no other open/competitive races in Massachusetts.  

[NewYorkExpress]

Kansas

One of the most Republican States in country was expected to get a little more Republican this cycle, with the few Democrats in charge being swept aside. Still, most pundits also didn't see a conclusion to the civil war between the Moderate and Conservative wings of Kansas's Republican Party, which Kate O'Beirne stated on the September 15, 2010 edition of Countdown with Keith Olbermann was "Bleeding Kansas Part Two".

Governor

While Kathleen Sebelius was term-limited, her appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services left Democrats in a hole, as their new Governor-Mark Parkinson didn't want to run in his own right. Democrats would nominate State Senator Tom Holland without opposition. Holland caught a break when Senator Sam Brownback decided against a run for the Governor's mansion, setting up another battle in the GOP civil war. The problem was that all but one or two candidates led Holland by sizeable margins already, and it was likely to only get worse.

Democrats

Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger 33.94%
Former Senator Sheila Frahm 33.17%
Radium City Councilman Elisha DeHaan 17.17%
Sylvan Grove City Councilwoman Ryan Batchman 10.2%
Garnett Police Chief Kevin PeKarek 5.51%
Write-in/Other 0.01%

General Election

Holland never really had a shot in November, but Kansas Democrats could breathe a little easier that the more moderate Praeger was in charge, instead of more conservative candidates like Brownback.


Sandy Praeger/Tim Shallenburger (R) 62.26%
Tom Holland/Kelly Kutala (D) 34.11%
Andrew Gray/??? (L) 2.91%
Kenneth Cannon/??? (R) 0.47%
Write-in/Other 0.25%

Senate

Despite declining to run for Governor, Sam Brownback chose to stick to the term-limits pledge he took when elected in 1996 (though he indicated he was considering "trying again for the White House in 2012"). This decision opened the door to potential chaos on both sides, and there were two contested primaries.

Democrats

Attorney General Stephen Six 48.3%
Lieutenant Governor Troy Findley 45.17%
Retired Communications Executive Charles Schnollenberger 6.09%
Write-in/Other 0.44%

Republicans

Former Governor Bill Graves 50.4%
Former Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh 42.7%
Former Attorney General Bob Londerholm 6.6%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

General Elections

While Six was able to stay in striking distance early, Graves built out an impressive lead by mid-October, meaning Kansas's drought of not having a Democratic Senator would likely last until at least inauguration day 2015.


Bill Graves (R) 67.91%
Stephen Six (D) 30.51%
Michael Dann (L) 1.31%
Write-in/Other 0.27%

3rd Congressional District

Dennis Moore's retirement, and subsequent announcement that he was in the early stages of Alzheimer's left Democrats with a question over whether to even contest the seat, especially as many other seats around the country fell. Democrats nominated Kansas City Councilwoman Ann Brandau-Muguria with no opposition, while Republicans again showed divisions, in-state with a competitive primary.

Republicans

State Representative Kevin Yoder 50.3%
Westwood City Councilwoman Sarah Page 26.4%
Former Congressman Vincent Snowbarger 23.1%
Write-in/Other 0.2%

General Election

While Brandau-Muguria ran a strong campaign, the reality (as expressed by Michael Steele on a Late-October edition of Meet the Press) was the Yoder would have been a heavy favorite even in Democratic wave, let alone a GOP wave.

Kevin Yoder (R) 60.87%
Ann Brandau-Muguria (D) 38.01%
Jasmin Talbert (L) 1.06%
Write-in/Other 0.06%

[NewYorkExpress]

Nevada

While the Silver State was quickly moving towards the Democrats (Obama won by 12.5 percent in 2008, compared to George W. Bush's 2.59 percent victory in 2004), there was good reason for Republicans to believe they could make at least some headway. 

Governor

Jim Gibbons had a large number of scandals and assorted ethics problems that left most state Republicans worried, and early polls showed him an underdog in a primary, but a narrow favorite in a general election. Gibbons decided not to run for re-election, and instead filed to run in the Senate race. While Republicans had a crowded primary, Democrats nominated State Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie without much struggle (and after several strong candidates in Barbara Buckley, Rory Reid and Jan Laverty Jones declined to run).

Republicans


State Assemblyman Chad Christensen 27.8%
North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon 20.4%
Businessman Chuck Flume 14.3%
Former State Senator Bob Beers 13.9%
El Cortez Hotel and Casino Owner Kenny Epstein 8.1%
Marine Veteran and Businessman Bill Parson 6.9%
Anti-Gay Marriage Activist/2004 Senate nominee Richard Ziser 5.4%
None of these Candidates 4.2%

General Election
While Gibbons's scandals did weigh on the race, it just wasn't enough to give Leslie a victory. Still, Democrats were able to pick up the Lieutenant Governorship behind former Las Vegas Mayor Ron Lurie.


Chad Christensen (R) 52.87%
Sheila Leslie (D) 44.67%
None of these Candidates 1.01%
David Scott Curtis (G) 0.86%
Arthur Forest Lampitt Jr (L) 0.53%

Senate

Harry Reid was in serious danger of becoming the second Democratic floor leader in his class (after Tom Daschle in 2004) to go down to a Republican. Jim Gibbons, hoping to find safety from his scandals (and thinking Reid was worse off electorally than he was-which was true), deluded himself into thinking he could win the primary. Needless to say his opponents disagreed, as did the NRSC, which bought ad time in the primary, and endorsed "everyone except Gibbons" in the words of NRSC chairman John Cornyn.

Republicans

State Senator Mike McGuiness 26.92%
Former State Senator Sue Lowden 24.17%
Former Assemblywoman Sharon Angle 24.01%
Governor Jim Gibbons 15%
Former Assemblywoman Lynn Hettrick 6.13%
None of the Above 3.77%

General Election

Only Reid's power as a party leader was able to keep this close at all, as McGuinness ran a near-perfect campaign, to the point where Trent Lott stated in a Late October edition of the O'Reilly Factor (as a guest host), that he was "running a better campaign than John Thune in 2004". While Reid's vaunted turnout machine would keep things relatively close on Election Night, it was clear McGuninness would win early on.


Mike McGuinness (R) 53.1%
Harry Reid (D) 44.8%
None of These 1.2%
Scott Ashijan (I) 0.9%

3rd Congressional District

Dina Titus's re-election was not going to be smooth, especially in a heavy GOP wave. Former State Senator Joseph Heck decided to mount a challenge, and quickly raced out a significant lead. While the margin narrowed slightly, Heck never really lost his lead, and Titus had (apparently) begun writing her concession speech in early October.

General Election

Joseph Heck (R) 50.9%
Dina Titus (D) 46.1%
Joseph Silvestri (L) 2.1%
Barri Michaels (I) 0.9%

[NewYorkExpress]

Hawaii

In the State where President Obama was born, Republican fortunes seemed to be at an ebb, with most pundits (even a large majority of Right-Wing pundits) labeling it as the one state that "a GOP wave won't reach" (though some pundits on both sides included either California or New York as well).

Governor

Linda Lingle was term-limited, and no one gave Republicans a realistic chance to hold the seat. While a large number of Democrats chomped at the bit to run in an open seat, Republicans named Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona the nominee without opposition.

Democrats

Former Congressman Ed Case 31.5%
State Senator Robert Bunda 26.1%
Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann 16%
Former State Representative Romeo Cachola 14.1%
State Representative Lyla Berg 12%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

General Election

While Case wasn't the best candidate for the Democrats, he didn't really need to be, as Aiona struggled to gain any traction, in an already very Democratic State (Honolulu put up a ballot referendum to raise funds for a hypothetical President Obama library, which narrowly passed, despite pretty much everyone including Obama saying it was premature).


Ed Case/Brian Schatz (D) 58.17%
Duke Aiona/Lynn Finnegan (R) 39.29%
Tom Pollard/Leonard Kama (I) 1.67%
Daniel Cunningham/Deborah Spence 0.49%
Write-in/Other 0.38%

Senate

Democrats were surprised (and modestly relieved) when Daniel Inyoue announced his retirement in May of 2010, explaining that "being in the Senate at age 94 would be a disservice to this country and my constituents in Hawaii". While Democrats had a contested primary, Republicans were able to recruit Governor Linda Lingle into the race, and she faced no opposition.

Democrats


Congresswoman Mazie Hirono 41%
Former Governor John Waihee 38.2%
State Senator Clarence Nishihara 20.7%
Write-in/Other 0.8%

General Election

Hirono and Lingle had faced each other before, in 2002 for the Governors mansion. But while eight years had passed, this was a different office, and Hirono won this bout.


Mazie Hirono (D) 54.74%
Linda Lingle (R) 44.89%
Jim Brewer (G) 0.31%
Write-in/Other 0.06%

Neither of the Aloha State's two house seats were competitive, as Neil Abercrombie glided to re-election, and State Representative Rida Cannabilla was elected to replace Hirono with no difficulty.

[MyRescueKittehRocks]

Indiana

Both Democrats and Republicans, thought they could make gains here. Republicans cited their relative popularity in the state, while Democrats believed President Obama's victory in 2008 would help them.  

Senate

Evan Bayh's February 2010 decision to run for re-election, kept Democrats competitive, and scared out top Republicans like Mitch Daniels, Dan Coats and Mike Pence. Still, the Indiana GOP had a deep bench, and crowded primary ensued.

Republicans


Congressman Steve Buyer 39%
Former Congressman John Hostettler 33.1%
Former Kokomo Mayor Jim Trobaugh 14.8%
Crowe Horwath LLP CEO Charles Allen 13%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

General Election
While Bayh was able to stay close throughout, the political climate doomed him this year. Indiana Democrats began counting down to 2016, as they knew full well, that they could pick off Buyer for re-election.


Steve Buyer (R) 47.4%
Evan Bayh (D) 43.6%
Rebecca Sink-Burris (L) 8.6%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

2nd Congressional District

Joe Donnelly appeared likely to face a difficult challenge, as two strong GOP opponents geared up against him. Still, he appeared to be a narrow favorite no matter who he faced.

Republicans


State Representative Jackie Walorski 50.9%
Former Congressman David McIntosh 48.2%
Write-in/Other 0.9%

General Election
It would've taken a full week of recounts to determine the winner, but Donnelly spared the district the agony by conceding after two days, though the recount went on without him.


Jackie Walorski (R) 48.993%
Joe Donnelly (D) 48.955%
Mark Vogel (L) 1.772%
Write-in/Others 0.28%

4th Congressional District
With Steve Buyer heading to the Senate, this became an open seat, and it attracted a solid GOP field. Democrats meanwhile, persuaded former Joe Kernan to run here, and he kept things close until the Republican Primaries. The race turned in the GOP's favor after Dan Coats, campaigning for the GOP nominee in Wolcott slammed Kernan for carpetbagging, and for "supporting, fundraising and voting for Barack Obama". Kernan had trouble fighting back, and another opportunity for Democrats was lost.  



Secretary of State Todd Rokita 54.7%
State Senator Brandt Hershman 45.2%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

General Election


Todd Rokita (R) 57.7%
Joe Kernan (D) 42%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

5th Congressional District
Dan Burton surprised almost everyone in Washington by announcing he would retire on January 16, 2010, simply stating that "I don't want them to carry me out of the Capitol in a coffin". He would accept a position as a Board Member for the Project on Middle East Democracies in Late November, replacing Jim Kolbe (who had left that position to run for Arizona Governor). As for the race to succeed Burton, it was crowded on the GOP side, while Democrats got one strong candidate (who was clearly carpet-bagging), this time being former Attorney General Jeff Modisett. Like the fourth district polls showed a close race throughout. Unlike the fourth district, where Joe Kernan held a lead in several polls over the summer, Modesitt's closest were two late June polls from PPP showing a dead heat.

Republicans

Treasurer Richard Mourdock 39%
Former U.S Attorney Susan Brooks 36%
State Representative Michael Murphy 17.2%
Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold 7.4%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

General Election


Richard Mourdock (R) 57.75%
Jeff Modisett (D) 40.1%
Jesse Trueblood (I) 1.45%
Write-in/Other 0.7%

8th Congressional District
The "Bloody Eighth" was once again open, as the incumbent Brad Ellsworth decided to run for the open Treasurer's seat (which he won). This left Democrats in a bit of a bind, while putting Republicans in good position. There were no primaries on either side, as Democrats nominated former Attorney General Joe Hogsett, while Republicans nominated former UPS Chairman Michael Eskew. Despite the heavy Republican tilt, Democrats were able to hold the seat, as Eskew proved to be a poor campaigner.

General Election

Joe Hogsett (D) 55%
Michael Eskew (R) 44.5%
John Cunningham (L) 0.45%
Write-in/Other 0.05%

9th Congressional District

Baron Hill was in trouble heading in the 2010 elections, and outside of Senator Bayh (and Mark Souder, who retired before any real damage could be done about his affair) was the most endangered incumbent in Indiana. His usual foil, Mike Sodrel chose to pass on another rematch to run for Treasurer (he made it through the primary before falling to Brad Ellsworth in November), allowing the Republicans to bring in new faces. such as Clark County Councilman Brian Lenfert, who went surprising unopposed in the GOP primary, and ran an active energetic campaign in the fall, leading to a sizable victory.

General Election

Brian Lenfert (R) 57%
Baron Hill (D) 42.1%
Greg Knott (L) 0.57%
Write-in/Other 0.13%

Good work with Indiana. McIntosh would run in 4,5,or 6 rather than against Walorski as he lived closer to the Indianapolis area rather than the South Bend area. Also props for adding a Kokomo mayor into the mix. I would've had a very hard time endorsing any of the GOP Senate candidates because I've done work (in activism for two and the third was a local guy for me).

[NewYorkExpress]

Indiana

Both Democrats and Republicans, thought they could make gains here. Republicans cited their relative popularity in the state, while Democrats believed President Obama's victory in 2008 would help them.  

Senate

Evan Bayh's February 2010 decision to run for re-election, kept Democrats competitive, and scared out top Republicans like Mitch Daniels, Dan Coats and Mike Pence. Still, the Indiana GOP had a deep bench, and crowded primary ensued.

Republicans


Congressman Steve Buyer 39%
Former Congressman John Hostettler 33.1%
Former Kokomo Mayor Jim Trobaugh 14.8%
Crowe Horwath LLP CEO Charles Allen 13%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

General Election
While Bayh was able to stay close throughout, the political climate doomed him this year. Indiana Democrats began counting down to 2016, as they knew full well, that they could pick off Buyer for re-election.


Steve Buyer (R) 47.4%
Evan Bayh (D) 43.6%
Rebecca Sink-Burris (L) 8.6%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

2nd Congressional District

Joe Donnelly appeared likely to face a difficult challenge, as two strong GOP opponents geared up against him. Still, he appeared to be a narrow favorite no matter who he faced.

Republicans


State Representative Jackie Walorski 50.9%
Former Congressman David McIntosh 48.2%
Write-in/Other 0.9%

General Election
It would've taken a full week of recounts to determine the winner, but Donnelly spared the district the agony by conceding after two days, though the recount went on without him.


Jackie Walorski (R) 48.993%
Joe Donnelly (D) 48.955%
Mark Vogel (L) 1.772%
Write-in/Others 0.28%

4th Congressional District
With Steve Buyer heading to the Senate, this became an open seat, and it attracted a solid GOP field. Democrats meanwhile, persuaded former Joe Kernan to run here, and he kept things close until the Republican Primaries. The race turned in the GOP's favor after Dan Coats, campaigning for the GOP nominee in Wolcott slammed Kernan for carpetbagging, and for "supporting, fundraising and voting for Barack Obama". Kernan had trouble fighting back, and another opportunity for Democrats was lost.  



Secretary of State Todd Rokita 54.7%
State Senator Brandt Hershman 45.2%
Write-in/Other 0.1%

General Election


Todd Rokita (R) 57.7%
Joe Kernan (D) 42%
Write-in/Other 0.3%

5th Congressional District
Dan Burton surprised almost everyone in Washington by announcing he would retire on January 16, 2010, simply stating that "I don't want them to carry me out of the Capitol in a coffin". He would accept a position as a Board Member for the Project on Middle East Democracies in Late November, replacing Jim Kolbe (who had left that position to run for Arizona Governor). As for the race to succeed Burton, it was crowded on the GOP side, while Democrats got one strong candidate (who was clearly carpet-bagging), this time being former Attorney General Jeff Modisett. Like the fourth district polls showed a close race throughout. Unlike the fourth district, where Joe Kernan held a lead in several polls over the summer, Modesitt's closest were two late June polls from PPP showing a dead heat.

Republicans

Treasurer Richard Mourdock 39%
Former U.S Attorney Susan Brooks 36%
State Representative Michael Murphy 17.2%
Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold 7.4%
Write-in/Other 0.4%

General Election


Richard Mourdock (R) 57.75%
Jeff Modisett (D) 40.1%
Jesse Trueblood (I) 1.45%
Write-in/Other 0.7%

8th Congressional District
The "Bloody Eighth" was once again open, as the incumbent Brad Ellsworth decided to run for the open Treasurer's seat (which he won). This left Democrats in a bit of a bind, while putting Republicans in good position. There were no primaries on either side, as Democrats nominated former Attorney General Joe Hogsett, while Republicans nominated former UPS Chairman Michael Eskew. Despite the heavy Republican tilt, Democrats were able to hold the seat, as Eskew proved to be a poor campaigner.

General Election

Joe Hogsett (D) 55%
Michael Eskew (R) 44.5%
John Cunningham (L) 0.45%
Write-in/Other 0.05%

9th Congressional District

Baron Hill was in trouble heading in the 2010 elections, and outside of Senator Bayh (and Mark Souder, who retired before any real damage could be done about his affair) was the most endangered incumbent in Indiana. His usual foil, Mike Sodrel chose to pass on another rematch to run for Treasurer (he made it through the primary before falling to Brad Ellsworth in November), allowing the Republicans to bring in new faces. such as Clark County Councilman Brian Lenfert, who went surprising unopposed in the GOP primary, and ran an active energetic campaign in the fall, leading to a sizable victory.

General Election

Brian Lenfert (R) 57%
Baron Hill (D) 42.1%
Greg Knott (L) 0.57%
Write-in/Other 0.13%

Good work with Indiana. McIntosh would run in 4,5,or 6 rather than against Walorski as he lived closer to the Indianapolis area rather than the South Bend area. Also props for adding a Kokomo mayor into the mix. I would've had a very hard time endorsing any of the GOP Senate candidates because I've done work (in activism for two and the third was a local guy for me).

Thanks for being constructive, and giving advice...care to offer your opinions about the rest of the TL so far?