57 and Maybe Counting

Republican Senator Gordon Smith will be defeated by Democratic challenger Jeff Merkley, according to The Oregonian. That just leaves Georgia, Minnesota, and Alaska.

In Georgia since no candidate reached 50%, the race is going to a runoff on December 2nd for another election. That leaves time for Democrats to reorganize (and maybe even to get Obama's help) in the meantime. Furthermore, runoffs typically get less turnout and only the most motivated voters get to the polls. This could bode well for the Democrats in the end.

In Minnesota, looks like we'll be having a recount. That's not too reassuring, but this race is definitely not over.

In Alaska, Ted Stevens may be calling it a victory, but with a lead of less than 4000 votes and almost 50,000 absentee and early ballots yet to be counted, it may not be over.

At this point, the chances for 60 seats aren't wonderful. But there still seems to be a chance, which is better than how I felt about it when I woke up this morning and checked out the results. Now to wait and see.