Spin Cycle

With all the attention on the monumental presidential contest and local eyes watching to see whether Democrats can capture the state Senate, a handful of U.S. Senate races have not received much attention in these parts. But Sen. Charles Schumer, the head of the DSCC, has led a charge that could give Democrats a 60-seat filibuster-proof majority.

Democrats currently hold 49 of the body's 100 seats, with Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), who caucus with the Democrats, giving them an effective 51-49 advantage. Schumer's crew needs to win nine GOP seats to reach 60, an improbable but reasonable outcome given the state of the nation.

Republicans have conceded three open seats they held - Virginia, Colorado and New Mexico. That leaves Schumer needing to oust six incumbents to win an ironclad majority. A rundown of those races, in the order of a likely Democratic pickup, is below:

Alaska. Sen. Ted Stevens (right), who last week was convicted of seven felony counts, is still on the ballot against Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. Likely Democratic win.

New Hampshire. Former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen has run a risk-free campaign in a rematch of her 2002 race against Sen. John Sununu. Probable Democratic win.

Oregon. GOP Sen. Gordon Smith has aired TV ads touting his work with prominent state Democrats. Still, he's trailing Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley and its hard to imagine liberal Oregon electing a Republican senator this year. Probable Democratic win.

North Carolina. In perhaps the year's ugliest race, Sen. Elizabeth Dole last week accused her challenger, state Sen. Kay Hagan, of backing "godless Americans" in a TV ad. Hagan struck back with an ad accusing Dole of "bearing false witness against fellow Christians." Advantage Democrats, but it's still North Carolina.

Minnesota. Minnesotans elected Jesse Ventura governor, so the idea of making Al Franken a senator doesn't seem so far-fetched. He's neck-and-neck with Sen. Norm Coleman (left). The Independence Party's Dean Barkley is polling at about 14 percent. Tossup.

Georgia. Perhaps the night's most interesting race is also the one that likely won't be decided until next month. Georgia law calls for a run-off if no candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote, a likely scenario with former state Rep. Jim Martin giving Sen. Saxby Chambliss a run for his money. Advantage GOP, but we're betting on a runoff.

Kentucky. Schumer would take particular pleasure in knocking off Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has aired a rather hilarious TV ad mocking Schumer. Democrat Bruce Lunsford is polling within the margin of error, but don't bet on him winning. Probable GOP hold.

Mississippi. Sen. Roger Wicker, who was appointed to fill Trent Lott's seat, has been acting like a candidate running scared the last week, though polls show him comfortably ahead of former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove. Musgrove is a long shot. Likely GOP hold.