With a Bush presidency, Democratic control of the Senate would require an outright majority, necessitating a net gain of five seats.

In this cycle, 34 states are holding Senate elections--15 seats are currently Democratic, while 19 are currently Republican. Of the GOP seats, 13 are considered likely victories as opposed to 10 for the Democrats.

The GOP seems poised to win the Nevada seat of retiring Democrat Richard Bryan, while the Florida seat being vacated by popular Republican Connie Mack will most likely go to Democratic candidate Bill Nelson. This means that Democrats need to win eight of nine races, an unlikely outcome, but not an impossibility.

Even if they hold the majority after this election, the Republicans face a legitimate challenge in 2002 with 20 seats up as opposed to only 13 for Democrats.

In addition, the health of Republican Senators Strom Thurmond of South Carolina and Jesse Helms of North Carolina is questionable, and their departures would most likely result in Democratic Senators appointed by the Democratic governors in their respective states. Even if the Democrats only pick up one or two seats, they could be on their way to a majority in 2002.

The Senate From Sea to Shining Sea

The most nationally publicized race has been the competition to fill the New York seat formerly held by Democrat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and Rep. Rick Lazio (R-N.Y.) have been engaged in a cutthroat race, and for the moment it appears Clinton has a slight edge in the polls.

But the outcome will certainly hinge on voter turnout--essentially whether the traditional Democratic base can outnumber Clinton's passionate opposition.