Who would win these two races in 2008?

[SPC]

Montana:
Max Baucus (D)
Conrad Burns (R)

Rhode Island:
Jack Reed (D)
Lincoln Chaffee (R)

my opinion: both lean democrat.

[Gabu]

I'd rate both at least "Likely Democrat", if not "Safe Democrat" for at least the first.

[Stranger in a strange land]

Baucus and Reed; Burns and Chafee are probably both finished in politics. Chafee would only have a chance, and it would only be an outside one at that, if he promised to caucus with the democrats. That said, if he couldn't beat Sheldon Whitehouse as an incumbent, I doubt he could beat Jack Reed. I seriously doubt Chafee will ever want to run against a Democrat again though.

If Reed were to retire however, Chafee would have a very good chance if he ran as a democrat or independent.

[Adlai Stevenson]

I doubt that these scenarios would ever happen.  But both Burns and Chafee would be beaten. 

[Verily]

Baucus would still be safe, and I find it hard to imagine Chafee actually unseating Reed while running as a Republican. (As an Independent he would stand a slightly better chance, but better as in 5% v 1%.)

[Democratic Hawk]

Both Baucus and Reed defeat Burns and Chafee handidly

Dave

[Eraserhead]

Both Baucus and Reed defeat Burns and Chafee handily

[CPT MikeyMike]

How I see it...

Montana:
Max Baucus: 56%
Conrad Burns 44%

Rhode Island:
Jack Reed 61%
Lincoln Chaffee 39%

[Eraserhead]

How I see it...

Montana:
Max Baucus: 56%
Conrad Burns 44%

Rhode Island:
Jack Reed 61%
Lincoln Chaffee 39%

You are way too kind to Burns.

[Adlai Stevenson]

RHODE ISLAND SENATE:
Reid (D) 66%
Chafee (R) 33%

Reid is incredibly strong in Rhode Island.  His really is a safe seat; he could remain there for another 30 years if he wants to. 

MONTANA SENATE:
Baucus (D) 58%
Burns (R) 41%

Burns is largely discredited now but Baucus has always been more popular
than him in Montana.  Also, Baucus has represented the state since 1979.

[minionofmidas]

Burns is old and a little senile, and has been forcibly retired. He could not possibly win the Republican nomination unless no other true Republican runs for the nomination. And while there is a sizeable population in Montana that would, at current, not vote for a Democrat in a federal race under ANY circumstances, ensuring that Burns gets at least to about 40%, it's hard to see him getting anything more than that.

Reed is utterly safe against anybody. Even Lincoln Chafee. Unless he eats dead babies live on tv.

[SPC]

Okay, how about this scenario:
Jack Reed (D)
Lincoln Chaffee (I)
Don Carcieri (R)

[Stranger in a strange land]

Okay, how about this scenario:
Jack Reed (D)
Lincoln Chaffee (I)
Don Carcieri (R)

Reed still wins.

[Smash255]

Okay, how about this scenario:
Jack Reed (D)
Lincoln Chaffee (I)
Don Carcieri (R)

reed by a ton.  Only thing carceri would do is take some GOP support away from Chafee. 

[Eraserhead]

Okay, how about this scenario:
Jack Reed (D)
Lincoln Chaffee (I)
Don Carcieri (R)

Reed still wins in a walk.