A good week for the DSCC

Senate Dems are facing a 55-45 GOP majority and a midterm election that’s still 21 months away. On the other hand, this has been a surprisingly good week.

A combination of polls in key states, potential Republican challengers opting not to run and Democratic incumbents deciding to run for re-election have complicated the Republican 2006 effort during the first three days of this week.

“We’ve got a long road ahead of us to Election Day 2006 but if this week is any indication, we’re off to a good start,” DSCC Chairman Chuck Schumer said.

“We’ve retired the debt at the start of the cycle, we’re keeping the number of retirements to a minimum and our incumbents are doing the right things as the 2006 campaign gets underway. Throw in the fact that the Republican agenda is out of step with mainstream America and that they’re stumbling across the stage on with their plan to privatize Social Security, and it becomes clear that we’re heading in the right direction,” Schumer added.

This may be bravado, but it’s still a good point. This has been the kind of week that should boost spirits at the DSCC.

New Mexico — Jeff Bingaman announced that he is going to seek re-election, making it tough for Republicans to recruit a challenger.

Michigan — Two high-profile Republicans announced that they won’t challenge Dem incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Vermont — Almost-Dem Sen. Jim Jeffords picked up support this week from the Dem establishment (Dean, Leahy, state party) and the state’s Republican governor, Jim Douglas.

New York — Sen. Hillary Clinton not only enjoys very high approval ratings statewide, but state Republicans can’t seem to find anyone who wants to run against her.

Rhode Island — Incumbent Republican Sen. Linc Chafee trailed Rep. Jim Langevin (D) in a hypothetical match-up by 17 points (44-27).

Pennsylvania — A new Quinnipiac poll has Rick Santorum trailing State Treasurer Robert Casey, Jr., a possible Democratic challenger, 46% to 41%.

If nothing else, consider this a morale booster.