The Republicans will win the Senate tonight in their biggest such win in a generation, even though two states may vote again in December and January. The Senate is currently made up of 53 Democrats, 2 independents who caucus with the Democrats and 45 Republicans. As such, the Republicans need 6 gains for control. They will achieve that.
This is how the races match up in each key state.
Alaska (Democratic seat: Mark Begich)
The scandal embroiled-Ted Stevens, Alaska’s most celebrated Senator, was hotly tipped to lose his seat in 2008 – as he did, by the narrowest of margins. Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, the son of a former Governor, was until recently expected to win re-election, even in this heavily Republican state. The choice of Dan Sullivan for the Republicans, however, a moderate state official, has left the Democrats with a fight on their hands. In the absence of a Republican who is either too tainted to too extreme to win the seat, Begich has been underwater in most polls over the past few months.
Verdict: Alaska is a red state where Barack Obama is very unpopular, much as Begich is seen as a moderate.
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