Bad Election Night for Republicans on Senates
Special Committee on Aging
Two former GOP chairs gone, Dole hits brick wall,
Coleman in run-off; no Democrats faced re-election
Sen. Gordon
Smith, Sen. Larry Craig leaving Senate Special Committee on
Aging
Nov. 7, 2008 - It has been a very bad election year
for Republicans on the Senates Special Committee on Aging two of
them, past chairmen of the committee will leave the Senate in January.
The immediate past chairman and current minority leader, Sen. Gordon
Smith of Oregon, was defeated on November 4. The Republican chairman who
preceded him, Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho, is leaving voluntarily after a
scandal involving a sex sting in a mens restroom.
One of the most shocking defeats on election night
was that of committee member Sen. Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina. She
was defeated by former Democratic state senator Kay Hagan.
Another headline grabber on the committee was Sen.
Norm Coleman. He declared victory on Wednesday morning, but his narrow
lead over Democrat challenger Al Franken requires a recount that could
stretch well into next December.
But, that is not all the bad news. Sen. Mel
Martinez of Florida was not up for re-election, but in late October it
was revealed he has agreed to pay $99,000 in fines for breaking several
federal election laws - including accepting $313,000 in excessive
contributions - during his 2004 Senate campaign.
But the news was not all bad, either. Sen. Susan M.
Collins of Maine was the lone bright spot for Republicans on the
committee. She easily defeated her Democratic challenger, U.S.
Representative Tom Allen.
Five of the ten Republicans on the committee were
not up for re-election.
It was a lucky election night for the eleven
Democrats on the committee, however, as none was facing re-election.
Senator Susan M. Collins of
Maine was the lone bright spot for Republicans in New England,
easily defeating her Democratic challenger, US Representative
Tom Allen
Term not up, but in late October
is was revealed he has agreed to pay $99,000 in fines for
breaking several federal election laws -- including accepting
$313,000 in excessive contributions -- during his 2004 Senate
campaign.
RETIRING - Former committee
chairman, Sen. Craig said he would not run for re-election,
after an airport bathroom sex scandal,
but said he would step down when his term expires in January.
Idaho Republican Lieutenant Governor Jim
Risch has been elected to replace him..
RUN-OFF -
Sen. Norm Coleman, declared victory, but his narrow lead over
Democrat challenger Al Franken requires a recount that could
stretch well into next December.
