New Jersey (5/19/06)

Second day, and we're still going strong! This seat, which has been occupied by Lautenberg on two different occasions, may be in danger. Lautenberg has seniority going for him, but that's about it. He is disliked (his disapproval rating, 43%, is the highest of any senate democrat) and won by only 10% in 2002, defeating weak candidate Doug Forrester. If State Senator Thomas Kean, Jr. loses to incumbent senator Robert Menendez this year, he could emerge as the early frontrunner for the Republicans in 2008. If Kean wins his 2006 race, the GOP might have to turn to one of two state senators: Bill Baroni or Joe Pennacchio. In the Democratic primary Lautenberg who, at age 84, is running for another term, does not expect to be unopposed but that opposition will most likely just be token.

Possible Dem Candidates: Senator Frank Lautenberg (http://lautenberg.senate.gov/)

Possible GOP Candidates: State Senator Bill Baroni (http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/baroni.asp/)
State Senator Joe Pennacchio (http://www.assemblymanjoe.com/)

Current Rating: Leans Dem