Rhode Island (6/2/06)

Jack Reed has a 44% net approval rating in one of the most Democratic states in the USA which should give a good indication of how safe this seat is. The statewide GOP is pretty weak, so they might not even be able to give Reed a good challenger. Governor Don Carcieri is popular, and would be a good candidate to oppose Reed, but he will be in the middle of his term, and probably won't run. Which leaves the Republicans with pretty much nobody. Cranston Mayor Stephen Laffey, currently challenging Lincoln Chafee for the Republican senatorial nomination in 2008, is a bad candidate, but he might be all that the GOP can get. Reed won't be challenged for the Democratic nomination, making this seat one of the safest in the country.

Potential Dem Candidates: Senator Jack Reed (http://reed.senate.gov/)

Potential GOP Candidates: Mayor of Cranston Stephen Laffey (http://www.electlaffey.com/)

Current Rating: Safe Dem