Who wants to be a Senator?

No U.S. Senate races are being run this year, but it is a crucial time for determining the outcome of next year’s races. This is because the two parties are busy recruiting candidates. The Washington Post reports another Republican recruiting set-back, this time in Nevada, where popular Republican Congressman Jim Gibbons has said he will not challenge Sen. Harry Reid. Since Reid won by only a few hundred votes last time, his seat should certainly be in-play. But, says the Post, Gibbons’ decision leaves Republicans without an obvious choice to oppose Reid. According to a Democratic spokesman quoted in the article, the Republicans (and specifically Karl Rove) have suffered similar disappointments in Washington, Illinois, North Dakota, and Florida. But the Post points out that the Democrats have problems of their own, with the retirement of up to six Democratic incumbents in swing states.