The Washington Times reports that polls are showing that two of the Republicans top opportunities for pick-ups in the Senate seats are those once held by President Obama and Vice President Biden.

In another sign of political winds that appear to be blowing against the Democrats in the 2010 cycle, Republicans and independent political analysts say the chances are at least even that their seats could be taken over by two strong Republican candidates next November, when the GOP is expected to make gains in Congress and in the state governorships.”Not to steal one of President Obama’s favorite words, but in Illinois and Delaware, Republicans have a truly historic opportunity to win both the president and vice president’s Senate seats, and we’re fortunate to have the strongest possible candidates already in the race,” said Brian Walsh, chief spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

“There is still a long way to go until the election, and we certainly expect polls will fluctuate, but it’s clear that even in traditionally blue states, voters are demanding accountability and want to restore checks and balances in Washington,” Mr. Walsh said.

In Illinois, where Democrats are still reeling from an explosive “pay to play” corruption scandal that led to the arrest and impeachment of Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich, five-term Rep. Mark Steven Kirk, the expected Republican nominee, is running for Mr. Obama’s seat. The Democratic front-runner is state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, whom an opposing Democratic campaign adviser calls a “deeply flawed” candidate.

Illinois Republican leaders have been pounding Democrats for widespread corruption in the state’s government, noting Mr. Giannoulias’ ties to real estate developer and Democratic fundraiser Tony Rezko, who was convicted last year of fraud and money laundering.

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Mr. Biden’s seat in Delaware also appears vulnerable. Rep. Michael N. Castle, a Republican who has won nine statewide elections as the state’s only House member, has been leading state Attorney General Beau Biden in polls. Mr. Biden has delayed saying whether he will be a candidate for the remaining four years of his father’s term.

Mr. Castle, a 70-year-old former governor, is a moderate whose cross-party appeal has drawn support from Democrats and independents over a political career that spans more than 40 years. A recent head-to-head voter survey by Public Policy Polling, a Democratic polling firm, showed Mr. Castle leading the younger Mr. Biden by 45 percent to 39 percent.

A Public Policy Polling analysis of its findings pointed to two strong trends in Mr. Castle’s favor: a 52 percent to 23 percent lead among independent voters, and the fact that he draws far more support from Democrats than Mr. Biden does from Republicans. The analysis found that 48 percent of Democrats view the Republican lawmaker favorably, while 15 percent of Republicans have a positive view of the 40-year-old Mr. Biden.

Read more about these two hallmark races in the Washington Times.

Posted: December 15th, 2009 under Elections, GOP Heroes.
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