MAVOCKE--Out of the 31 Senate seats up for grabs this election cycle, over a third of them are considered highly competitive.
The unusual number of close contests is due in part to special elections, as several states are seeking to fill vacant seats.
Another reason for the high number of closely-matched races is the former senators who lost their seats due to the election lottery.
The lottery was used to reduce the number of senators from each state from five to four, because the Constitution states there can be no more than 100 senators in the chamber at any given point.
Many members who lost their seats because of the reduction lottery are seeking to reclaim them, pitting them against other incumbents in heated match-ups.
GNN's election team compiled this year's top 12 Senate races to watch. The races are shown by state in alphabetical order, and are not ranked in importance.
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Ansleigha -- Incumbent Jan Vanderhoogen (N) vs. former Sen. Luke Gymbal (C).
Vanderhoogen previously served as Deputy Treasury Secretary under President Menuhaeo. Both candidates were elected to the Senate in 2010, but Gymbal was eliminated in the election lottery of 2011. Vanderhoogen, who hails from Churchtown in the state's southeast, has a liberal voting record and has been involved in progressive politics for decades. Gymbal is the brother of former Lial Gov. Gavin Gymbal, and formerly represented the electorate of Clive in the National Assembly. The electorate encompasses the southeastern corner of the state, along the Armana and New Portsmouth borders. Vanderhoogen is counting on the anti-CNS national mood working in his favor, while Gymbal is hoping Vanderhoogen's connection to the economic stimulus and bail outs will help him.
Armana -- Incumbent Dana Glow (C) vs. Assemblyman Serap Figaori (N-Whitbred).
Glow, elected in 2006, has been at the forefront of economic recovery efforts. He was chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, and led the bipartisan "Group of Six" senators, who negotiated a deal on the economic stimulus and bail outs. But Glow's close connection to the Conservative party's economic policies is his biggest liability in this election, as he faces a strong challenge from Rep. Figaori, who represents a liberal seat in northern Armana. Figaori is hoping to ride a nation-wide anti-CNS wave, while Glow is hoping his bipartisan record and his attempt at a moderate voting record will work in his favor. Figaori has effectively cast Glow as a typical Conservative who favors the wealthy and corporations. Glow has sought to portray Figaori as inexperienced and a reckless tax-and-spend liberal. Both candidates have raised over $9 million, and outside groups are pouring in funds.
East Deschire -- Incumbent Nancy Lindselli (C) vs. Secretary of State Allison Sweeten (N)
Sweeten is making her second attempt at the Senate, after failing to win an open seat in 2010 against Conservative Mike Aventhalle. Lindselli is beloved by Conservatives for her staunch conservative values, but loathed by Nationalists, who see her as hyper-partisan and uncompromising. The state's agriculture industry is firmly behind Lindselli, however. Sweeten has broad appeal in the state's largest city, Hansboro, and other cities like Christenkerr, Bridgeworth, and Dillingham. But Lindselli has strong poll numbers in the state's second-largest city, Ridgeview, and in the state's capital, Derosa, as well as the vast rural areas of the state. Sweeten has sought to portray Lindselli as out of touch, and walking in lock-step with the Conservative party, while Lindselli has painted Sweeten as a far-left, ultra-liberal tax enthusiast.
Marchenay -- Incumbent Dana Stokahn (C) vs. Rep. Bernie Voldrew (N-Madagen-Northshire)
Stokahn was just elected in 2010 in a special election. She narrowly defeated wealthy businessman-turned-Assemblyman Voldrew in that contest. Stokahn, a former secretary of state, is the most conservative of Marchenay's four senators. Voldrew is among the state's most liberal members of Congress, and his vast personal fortune could be a huge asset for him in this hyper-partisan race. Stokahn is counting on gun-rights groups and other conservative organizations to help bolster her campaign, which is being outspent 2-1 by Voldrew.
Onakiah -- Rep. Reuben Stykes (C-Kyena) vs. Rep. Deacon Busby (N-Kilney)
This special election will feature two popular members of assembly. Stykes, who represents northern Onakiah, has made previous runs for Senate in the past, but has maintained support for another bid. Busby, who represents the southern part of the state, has also previously ran unsuccessfully, and is hoping the national mood will help swing the race to him. Stykes has broad support from his party and national leaders, and has the financial edge. Both young men will likely raise and spend millions by the time the race is complete.
Onakiah -- Rep. Mark Rolen (C-Partavia) vs. Rep. Ernie O'Larra (N-Moorburn)
Another special election that features two assemblymen going head-to-head. Rolen, the former Assembly Majority Leader, is hoping to finally break into the Senate, after two unsuccessful bids in the past. O'Larra, who is in his first term in the Assembly, is hoping to ride the national NAT wave that is sweeping the country. O'Larra has attacked Rolen for his connection with Conservative party leadership, while Rolen has criticized O'Larra for his "ultra-liberal" voting record. Both parties will likely invest heavy money in this race.
Prov. of Grassadellia -- Rep. Julie Dennings (C-Dynsmore Hills) vs. former Lt. Gov. George Mercott (N)
Dennings, who has made two attempts at the Senate in the past, is seeking to finally win against Mercott, a moderate Nationalist who also previously ran for the Senate in the last cycle, narrowly losing in the primary to Rep. Jill Yateri. Dennings is a hero of Conservatives, and is backed by the party establishment. Mercott also has broad appeal among his party as well as independents. Mercott also has strong name recognition and family ties to the state that could help him pull out a victory.
Roddenclanshire -- Incumbent Anita Ugorachin (N) vs. Frank Traetori (C)
Ugorachin is vying for her first full term. She has a strongly liberal voting record, and has faced criticism from Traetori and Conservatives for voting for tax increases. Ugorachin has wide appeal among minority and low-income voters, while Traetori has strong support from business groups. Roddenclanshire's liberal tilt will work in Ugorachin's favor, but Traetori has proven to be an effective fundraiser and campaigner, and could make the race interesting.
South Ceona -- Incumbent Craig Svenson (C) vs. Rep. Alan Thorston (N-Reierson)
Svenson is shooting for his first full term, and will face Gallaghan-area Assemblyman Thorston in a competitive race. South Ceona trends Conservative, but the national NAT wave could play into Thorston's favor. If Thorston gets a high turnout in the eastern side of the state, he may be buoyed as well. Thorston has sought to define Svenson as an out-of-touch, friend-of-the-wealthy Conservative. Svenson has countered by identifying Thorston as an out-of-touch east coast elitist who doesn't represent South Ceonan values. Svenson has the edge, but with more than a month to go before election day, this race could be close.
Trinton -- Incumbent Bruce Kellney (N) vs. Randy Kalamaza (C), Guy Pieronne (IND) and Paul Whitton (LD)
A rare four-way race, incumbent Kellney faces former Senate candidate Kalamaza, a staunch fiscal conservative, Liberal Democrat and former Senate candidate Paul Whitton, and political newcomer, Independent Guy Pieronne. Kellney has the edge in money and momentum. But with Whitton on the ballot, it's possible the two left-leaning candidates could split the liberal vote, handing a victory to Kalamaza or forcing a run-off election if no candidate receives 40%. Pieronne is likely to win few votes, but may siphon enough to force a run-off.
Wellington -- Incumbent Chris DeCarro (N) vs. Rep. Joe Wilsey (C-Claremonte-White Pines)
DeCarro is seeking his first full term. The young Nationalist has struck a surprisingly liberal voting record since 2008, when he narrowly defeated Wilsey in a special election. This time around, DeCarro is on the defensive. Even as the rest of the nation trends NAT, Wellington may very well swing to the Conservatives. Wilsey has become a hero to Conservatives, especially the socially conservative element of the party, and he has led high-profile pieces of legislation in recent years. DeCarro has a liberal record to defend and unlike 2008, he will not be able to ride the coattails of popular Gov. Pierre Carten (N).
Wellington -- Incumbent Nadan Saralo (N) vs. Rep. Sharon Dackadett (C-Okookawa)
Saralo, the Senate's second-highest-ranking Nationalist, finds himself facing potentially hostile territory back home on the prairie. As Assistant Majority Leader, Saralo has now entrenched himself in the NAT party leadership, and his connection with the more liberal agenda the party has pursued has not sat well with constituents back home. Dackadett, who previously lost to Saralo in 2008 by a 55%-45% margin, is hoping to build on anti-incumbent sentiment and reverse her fate. Dackadett has also attempted to tie herself to fellow Conservative Joe Wilsey, who is more popular and well-known. And Conservatives would love nothing more than to knock off a member of the Nationalist party's leadership.
The unusual number of close contests is due in part to special elections, as several states are seeking to fill vacant seats.
Another reason for the high number of closely-matched races is the former senators who lost their seats due to the election lottery.
The lottery was used to reduce the number of senators from each state from five to four, because the Constitution states there can be no more than 100 senators in the chamber at any given point.
Many members who lost their seats because of the reduction lottery are seeking to reclaim them, pitting them against other incumbents in heated match-ups.
GNN's election team compiled this year's top 12 Senate races to watch. The races are shown by state in alphabetical order, and are not ranked in importance.
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Ansleigha -- Incumbent Jan Vanderhoogen (N) vs. former Sen. Luke Gymbal (C).
Vanderhoogen previously served as Deputy Treasury Secretary under President Menuhaeo. Both candidates were elected to the Senate in 2010, but Gymbal was eliminated in the election lottery of 2011. Vanderhoogen, who hails from Churchtown in the state's southeast, has a liberal voting record and has been involved in progressive politics for decades. Gymbal is the brother of former Lial Gov. Gavin Gymbal, and formerly represented the electorate of Clive in the National Assembly. The electorate encompasses the southeastern corner of the state, along the Armana and New Portsmouth borders. Vanderhoogen is counting on the anti-CNS national mood working in his favor, while Gymbal is hoping Vanderhoogen's connection to the economic stimulus and bail outs will help him.
Armana -- Incumbent Dana Glow (C) vs. Assemblyman Serap Figaori (N-Whitbred).
Glow, elected in 2006, has been at the forefront of economic recovery efforts. He was chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, and led the bipartisan "Group of Six" senators, who negotiated a deal on the economic stimulus and bail outs. But Glow's close connection to the Conservative party's economic policies is his biggest liability in this election, as he faces a strong challenge from Rep. Figaori, who represents a liberal seat in northern Armana. Figaori is hoping to ride a nation-wide anti-CNS wave, while Glow is hoping his bipartisan record and his attempt at a moderate voting record will work in his favor. Figaori has effectively cast Glow as a typical Conservative who favors the wealthy and corporations. Glow has sought to portray Figaori as inexperienced and a reckless tax-and-spend liberal. Both candidates have raised over $9 million, and outside groups are pouring in funds.
East Deschire -- Incumbent Nancy Lindselli (C) vs. Secretary of State Allison Sweeten (N)
Sweeten is making her second attempt at the Senate, after failing to win an open seat in 2010 against Conservative Mike Aventhalle. Lindselli is beloved by Conservatives for her staunch conservative values, but loathed by Nationalists, who see her as hyper-partisan and uncompromising. The state's agriculture industry is firmly behind Lindselli, however. Sweeten has broad appeal in the state's largest city, Hansboro, and other cities like Christenkerr, Bridgeworth, and Dillingham. But Lindselli has strong poll numbers in the state's second-largest city, Ridgeview, and in the state's capital, Derosa, as well as the vast rural areas of the state. Sweeten has sought to portray Lindselli as out of touch, and walking in lock-step with the Conservative party, while Lindselli has painted Sweeten as a far-left, ultra-liberal tax enthusiast.
Marchenay -- Incumbent Dana Stokahn (C) vs. Rep. Bernie Voldrew (N-Madagen-Northshire)
Stokahn was just elected in 2010 in a special election. She narrowly defeated wealthy businessman-turned-Assemblyman Voldrew in that contest. Stokahn, a former secretary of state, is the most conservative of Marchenay's four senators. Voldrew is among the state's most liberal members of Congress, and his vast personal fortune could be a huge asset for him in this hyper-partisan race. Stokahn is counting on gun-rights groups and other conservative organizations to help bolster her campaign, which is being outspent 2-1 by Voldrew.
Onakiah -- Rep. Reuben Stykes (C-Kyena) vs. Rep. Deacon Busby (N-Kilney)
This special election will feature two popular members of assembly. Stykes, who represents northern Onakiah, has made previous runs for Senate in the past, but has maintained support for another bid. Busby, who represents the southern part of the state, has also previously ran unsuccessfully, and is hoping the national mood will help swing the race to him. Stykes has broad support from his party and national leaders, and has the financial edge. Both young men will likely raise and spend millions by the time the race is complete.
Onakiah -- Rep. Mark Rolen (C-Partavia) vs. Rep. Ernie O'Larra (N-Moorburn)
Another special election that features two assemblymen going head-to-head. Rolen, the former Assembly Majority Leader, is hoping to finally break into the Senate, after two unsuccessful bids in the past. O'Larra, who is in his first term in the Assembly, is hoping to ride the national NAT wave that is sweeping the country. O'Larra has attacked Rolen for his connection with Conservative party leadership, while Rolen has criticized O'Larra for his "ultra-liberal" voting record. Both parties will likely invest heavy money in this race.
Prov. of Grassadellia -- Rep. Julie Dennings (C-Dynsmore Hills) vs. former Lt. Gov. George Mercott (N)
Dennings, who has made two attempts at the Senate in the past, is seeking to finally win against Mercott, a moderate Nationalist who also previously ran for the Senate in the last cycle, narrowly losing in the primary to Rep. Jill Yateri. Dennings is a hero of Conservatives, and is backed by the party establishment. Mercott also has broad appeal among his party as well as independents. Mercott also has strong name recognition and family ties to the state that could help him pull out a victory.
Roddenclanshire -- Incumbent Anita Ugorachin (N) vs. Frank Traetori (C)
Ugorachin is vying for her first full term. She has a strongly liberal voting record, and has faced criticism from Traetori and Conservatives for voting for tax increases. Ugorachin has wide appeal among minority and low-income voters, while Traetori has strong support from business groups. Roddenclanshire's liberal tilt will work in Ugorachin's favor, but Traetori has proven to be an effective fundraiser and campaigner, and could make the race interesting.
South Ceona -- Incumbent Craig Svenson (C) vs. Rep. Alan Thorston (N-Reierson)
Svenson is shooting for his first full term, and will face Gallaghan-area Assemblyman Thorston in a competitive race. South Ceona trends Conservative, but the national NAT wave could play into Thorston's favor. If Thorston gets a high turnout in the eastern side of the state, he may be buoyed as well. Thorston has sought to define Svenson as an out-of-touch, friend-of-the-wealthy Conservative. Svenson has countered by identifying Thorston as an out-of-touch east coast elitist who doesn't represent South Ceonan values. Svenson has the edge, but with more than a month to go before election day, this race could be close.
Trinton -- Incumbent Bruce Kellney (N) vs. Randy Kalamaza (C), Guy Pieronne (IND) and Paul Whitton (LD)
A rare four-way race, incumbent Kellney faces former Senate candidate Kalamaza, a staunch fiscal conservative, Liberal Democrat and former Senate candidate Paul Whitton, and political newcomer, Independent Guy Pieronne. Kellney has the edge in money and momentum. But with Whitton on the ballot, it's possible the two left-leaning candidates could split the liberal vote, handing a victory to Kalamaza or forcing a run-off election if no candidate receives 40%. Pieronne is likely to win few votes, but may siphon enough to force a run-off.
Wellington -- Incumbent Chris DeCarro (N) vs. Rep. Joe Wilsey (C-Claremonte-White Pines)
DeCarro is seeking his first full term. The young Nationalist has struck a surprisingly liberal voting record since 2008, when he narrowly defeated Wilsey in a special election. This time around, DeCarro is on the defensive. Even as the rest of the nation trends NAT, Wellington may very well swing to the Conservatives. Wilsey has become a hero to Conservatives, especially the socially conservative element of the party, and he has led high-profile pieces of legislation in recent years. DeCarro has a liberal record to defend and unlike 2008, he will not be able to ride the coattails of popular Gov. Pierre Carten (N).
Wellington -- Incumbent Nadan Saralo (N) vs. Rep. Sharon Dackadett (C-Okookawa)
Saralo, the Senate's second-highest-ranking Nationalist, finds himself facing potentially hostile territory back home on the prairie. As Assistant Majority Leader, Saralo has now entrenched himself in the NAT party leadership, and his connection with the more liberal agenda the party has pursued has not sat well with constituents back home. Dackadett, who previously lost to Saralo in 2008 by a 55%-45% margin, is hoping to build on anti-incumbent sentiment and reverse her fate. Dackadett has also attempted to tie herself to fellow Conservative Joe Wilsey, who is more popular and well-known. And Conservatives would love nothing more than to knock off a member of the Nationalist party's leadership.
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