November 7 is a big day for the U.S. Senate, as Democrats will attempt to wrest control from the Republicans, who have held the Senate Majority since 2002.

33 Senate seats will be contested this year. Of those uncontested, 40 are Republicans and 27 are Democrats. The Republican Party must hold 10 seats in order to preserve a 50-50 tie in the Senate. (They would retain the majority, as Vice President Cheney breaks all ties in the Senate, giving the edge to the Republican Party.)

Due to recent events both foreign and domestic, the Democratic Party has an opportunity to swipe the seats they need to win the Senate. This has Republicans playing defense in order to win several extremely close races.

Below are the states in which Senate seats are up for grabs.


Arizona
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Hawaii
Indiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming


According to the current totals compiled by Rasmussen Reports, eight of the 33 races appear to be safe wins for Republicans, while Democrats look to control 17. Three more races are leaning somewhat toward the Democrats. This leaves the GOP with 48 seats, Democrats with 47, and five races that are too close to call. Missouri, Montana, Tennessee, Virginia, and New Jersey may be the most critical states in deciding what party controls the Senate for the next two years.

So, what are your thoughts on this year's Senate elections? Which party do you think will win the Senate, and who do you want to control it? C'mon, I know you have something to say!