National Republicans see Colorado as one of their few chances to pick up a Senate seat this year, and “think they’ve found a candidate and could make a strong run in a divided state,” reports Politico in listing 15 states where competitive races may develop. The Colorado seat is held by Democrat Micheal Bennet, an Agriculture Committee member. Politico lists it as the eighth most likely seat to change hands. “Bennet keeps his edge as the Republican primary field continues to fill out,” said Politico. The crowded primary could diminish the time available for the eventual winner to focus on the incumbent.
No. 13 on Politico’s list was Arkansas, where Democrat Conner Eldridge raised more money than Republican Sen. John Boozman, an Agriculture Committee member, in the third quarter of 2015. “National [GOP] strategists have been less than pleased with Boozman’s performance.”
The political website Sabato’s Crystal Ball lists Colorado as “leans Democratic” and Arkansas as “safe Republican.” Five candidates are running for the Republican nomination in Colorado.