Vermont U.S. Senate Race

Race of the Day

Vermont U.S. Senate

October 11, 2010
22 Days Until Election Day

Status: Democrat Incumbent
2008 Presidential Result: Blue State (East)

Outlook: Safe Democrat

Vermont is a liberal state and sixth term Democrat Patrick Leahy is a very liberal Senator. As the current Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he is known as one of the most partisan figures on Capitol Hill. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, in anger, once told Leahy to do something that Delaware Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell would disapprove of.

Despite the image, and the support of his fellow Democrats, Leahy remains very popular at home, and garners support from Independents and even some Republicans. His political standing is an example of how local issues and consistuent service can matter much to the folks back at home. While long-term Washington insiders may be in trouble in places across the country this year, Vermont is not one of them.

Unlike the Democrats in South Dakota, Republicans have put forth a Senate candidate in every state this year. The GOP nominee against Leahy is businessman Len Britton, who will lose by a large margin, but if he fares somewhat respectably this year, might have the potential to run for another office in the state some other day.

Britton campaign link:

http://www.lenbritton.com

2010 U.S. Senate races predicted thus far: 9 D, 25 R
Predicted U.S. Senate Balance of Power thus far: 49 D, 48 R