41.   Democrats are particularly concerned about retirements because open seats are much more difficult to hold than a seat with an incumbent seeking re-election.

42.   Democrats do have one glimmer of hope in Nebraska, if Gov. Ben Nelson decides to seek the open Senate seat.

43.   Democrats have fewer vulnerable incumbents than Republicans and are well-positioned in several races for open seats.

44.   Democrats took an open Republican seat in Oklahoma, but Republicans won Democratic seats in Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the parties swapped seats on Long Island.

45.   Dal Col, meanwhile, flatly ruled out speculation that Forbes might join the race for an open New Jersey Senate seat this year.

46.   Ditto for the six congressional races, with a focus on the two open seats in Boulder and Westminster.

47.   Democrats had wrested two open seats from Republicans in Oklahoma and New York.

48.   Democrats lost open seats in Alabama, Arkansas, and Nebraska, while incumbent Larry Pressler from South Dakota was the lone Republican Senate loss.

49.   Democrats, however, maintain that the open seats can be retained.

50.   Embattled Republican incumbents avoid his company, but challengers and candidates in open seats revel in the money and attention he brings.