Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet’s chances for re-election are strengthening while Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley’s race merits closer attention, says the political website Sabato’s Crystal Ball. Both are members of the Senate Agriculture Committee. The website revised its assessment of four other races as well. The Crystal Ball pointed to the high correlation of voting for presidential and Senate candidates in many of the states with races this year. “Straight-ticket voting could bode poorly for the GOP,” it said.
The Crystal Ball rates the Colorado race as “likely Democratic,” a step up from the previous “leans Democratic.” Early on, Bennet appeared to be the most vulnerable Democrat seeking re-election this year. “Bennet appeared a slight favorite to start but now looks as if he may hold a stronger edge,” says the Crystal Ball. Republicans face a free-for-all for their nomination, to be decided in the June 28 primary. Bennet is likely to have a sizable financial advantage when the general election campaign begins.
“By next week, the (Republican) field will be more than cut in half,” says Real Clear Politics. A handful of candidates have filed petitions to get on the Colorado ballot. The rest will compete at the GOP state convention on Saturday. Anyone who gets at least 30 percent of the vote at the convention will be on the ballot too. “Even after the field narrows, five or six is still a crowded primary,” said Real Clear Politics.
In Iowa, “mostly out of an abundance of caution,” the Crystal Ball listed the Senate race as “likely Republican,” suggesting a more competitive race than the previous “safe Republican.” Grassley is an enduringly popular officeholder. If former lieutenant governor Patty Judge wins the Democratic nomination, it would be the first time since 1980 that Grassley has faced an opponent who held statewide office. “Many local Democrats” support state Sen. Rob Hogg for the nomination, “so Judge has some work to do even within her party,” said the Crystal Ball.