United States Senate elections, 2008 - wikipedia United States Senate elections, 2008 For related races, see United States elections, 2008. United States Senate elections, 2008 ← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 → Class 2 ( 33 of the 100 ) seats of the U.S. Senate ( and 2 special elections ) 51 seats needed for a majority Majority party Minority party Leader Harry Reid Mitch McConnell Party Democratic Republican Leader 's seat Nevada Kentucky Seats before 49 49 Seats after 57 41 Seat change 8 8 Popular vote 33,650,061 28,863,067 Percentage 51.9 % 44.5 % Swing 1.3 % 2.7 % Seats up 12 23 Races won 20 15 Third party Party Independent Seats before Seats after Seat change Popular vote 176,752 Percentage 0 % Seats up 0 Races won 0 Results of the November elections Democratic gain Republican gain Independent gain Democratic hold Republican hold Independent hold Jump up ^ Although Lieberman won as `` Connecticut for Lieberman, '' most sources, him, refer to him as an `` Independent Democrat, '' and he is included here as an `` Independent. '' Majority Leader before election Harry Reid Democratic Elected Majority Leader Harry Reid Democratic Elections to the United States Senate were held November 4, 2008 with 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate being contested. Thirty - three seats were up for regular elections ; the winners were eligible to serve six - year terms from January 3, 2009 to January 3, 2015, as members of Class 2. There were also two special elections, the winners of those seats would finish the terms that ended January 3, 2013. The presidential election which was won by Democrat Barack Obama, elections for all House of Representatives seats, and several gubernatorial elections, as well as many state and local elections, occurred on the same date. Going into these elections, the Senate consisted of 49 Democrats, 49 Republicans, and two Independents who caucused with the Democrats, giving the Democratic caucus the slightest 51 - 49 majority. Of the seats up for election in 2008, 23 were held by Republicans and 12 by Democrats. The Republicans, who openly conceded early on that they would n't be able to regain the majority in 2008, lost eight seats. This election was the second cycle in a row in which no seats switched from Democratic to Republican. In addition, this was the largest Democratic Senate gain since 1986, when they also won eight seats. These elections marked the first time since 1964 in which a Democratic presidential candidate won the White House with Senate coattails. Finally, 2008 was the first presidential election year since 1948 in which Senate Class 2 saw net gains for the winning presidential candidate 's party. When the new senators were first sworn in, the balance was 58 -- 41 in favor of the Democrats, because of the unresolved Senate election in Minnesota. The April 2009 defection of Arlen Specter ( R - PA ) to the Democratic party and the July 2009 resolution of the Minnesota election in favor of the Democrat increased the Democratic majority to 60 -- 40. Republicans gained a seat in a January 2010 special election in Massachusetts, making the balance 59 - 41 before the start of the next election cycle. Contents 1 Gains and losses 2 Results summary 3 Change in Senate composition 3.1 Before the elections 3.2 After the general elections 3.3 After the special elections 4 Race summary 4.1 Special elections during the 110th Congress 4.2 Elections leading to the next Congress 4.3 Special elections during the next Congress 5 Freshmen 6 Hill committees ' role 7 Alabama 8 Alaska 9 Arkansas 10 Colorado 11 Delaware 12 Georgia 13 Idaho 14 Illinois 15 Iowa 16 Kansas 17 Kentucky 18 Louisiana 19 Maine 20 Massachusetts 21 Michigan 22 Minnesota 23 Mississippi 24 Mississippi ( special ) 25 Montana 26 Nebraska 27 New Hampshire 28 New Jersey 29 New Mexico 30 North Carolina 31 Oklahoma 32 Oregon 33 Rhode Island 34 South Carolina 35 South Dakota 36 Tennessee 37 Texas 38 Virginia 39 West Virginia 40 Wyoming 41 Wyoming ( special ) 42 See also 43 References 44 External links 45 See also Gains and losses Democrats defeated five Republican incumbents : Alaska : Ted Stevens lost to Mark Begich. Minnesota : Norm Coleman lost to Al Franken. New Hampshire : John Sununu lost to Jeanne Shaheen. North Carolina : Elizabeth Dole lost to Kay Hagan. Oregon : Gordon Smith lost to Jeff Merkley. Democrats also picked up three open seats : Colorado, New Mexico, and Virginia. Results Summary ↓ 57 41 Democratic Independent Republican Summary of the November 4, 2008, United States Senate election results Parties Total Democratic Republican Independent Libertarian Independence Green Others Before these elections 49 49 -- -- -- -- 100 Not up Class 1 ( 2006 → 2012 ) 22 8 -- -- -- -- 31 Class 3 ( 2004 → 2010 ) 15 19 -- -- -- -- -- 34 Total 37 26 -- -- -- -- 65 Up Class 1 -- -- -- -- -- -- Class 2 12 21 -- -- -- -- -- 33 Total 12 23 -- -- -- -- -- 35 Incumbent retired Begin -- 5 -- -- -- -- -- 5 Held by same party -- -- -- -- -- -- Replaced by other party 3 Republicans replaced by 3 Democrats -- -- -- -- -- Result -- -- -- -- -- 5 Incumbent ran Begin 12 18 -- -- -- -- -- 30 Won election 12 13 -- -- -- -- -- 25 Lost election 5 Republicans replaced by 5 Democrats -- -- -- -- -- 5 Result 17 13 -- -- -- -- -- 30 Total held 12 15 -- -- -- -- -- 27 Total gained / lost 8 8 -- -- -- -- -- 8 Total elected 20 15 -- -- -- -- -- 35 Nation - wide vote Votes 33,650,061 28,863,067 176,752 798,154 450,702 427,427 496,124 64,862,287 Share 51.88 % 44.50 % 0.27 % 1.23 % 0.69 % 0.66 % 0.76 % 100 % Result 57 41 -- -- -- -- 100 Sources : U.S. Senate Popular Vote and FEC Total Receipts by Party, via TheGreenPapers.com `` U.S. Senate ( Full results ) ''. CNN. July 1, 2009. Retrieved November 29, 2017. `` The Green Papers 2008 U.S. Senate Popular Vote and FEC Total Receipts by Party ''. The Green Papers. Retrieved November 19, 2008. Change in Senate composition Before the elections Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Majority ( with Independents ) ↑ Ran Ran Ran Ran Retired Retired Retired Retired Retired Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran Ran After the general elections Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Gain Majority → Gain Hold Gain Gain Gain Gain Gain Gain Hold Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected Re-elected After the special elections Majority → Appointee elected Appointee elected Key : D Democratic Independent Republican Race Summary Special elections during the 110th Congress In these special elections, the winner was seated during 2008 or before January 3, 2009, sorted by election date, then state, then class. State ( linked to summaries below ) Incumbent Results Candidates Senator Party Electoral history Mississippi ( Class 1 ) Roger Wicker Republican 2007 ( Appointed ) Interim appointee elected November 4, 2008. √ Roger Wicker ( Republican ) 55.0 % Ronnie Musgrove ( Democratic ) 45.0 % Wyoming ( Class 1 ) John Barrasso Republican 2007 ( Appointed ) Interim appointee elected November 4, 2008. √ John Barrasso ( Republican ) 73.4 % Nick Carter ( Democratic ) 26.5 % Elections leading to the next Congress In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 2009 ; ordered by state. All of the elections involved the Class 2 seats. State ( linked to summaries below ) Incumbent Results Candidates Senator Party Electoral history Alabama Jeff Sessions Republican 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Jeff Sessions ( Republican ) 63.4 % Vivian Davis Figures ( Democratic ) 36.5 % Alaska Ted Stevens Republican 1968 ( Appointed ) 1970 ( Special ) 1972 1978 1984 1990 2002 Incumbent lost re-election. New member elected. Democratic gain. √ Mark Begich ( Democratic ) 47.8 % Ted Stevens ( Republican ) 46.6 % Bob Bird ( Alaskan Independence ) 4.2 % David Haase ( Libertarian ) 0.8 % Ted Gianoutsos ( Independent ) 0.4 % Arkansas Mark Pryor Democratic 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Mark Pryor ( Democratic ) 79.5 % Rebekah Kennedy ( Green ) 20.5 % Colorado Wayne Allard Republican 2002 Incumbent retired. New member elected. Democratic gain. √ Mark Udall ( Democratic ) 52.8 % Bob Schaffer ( Republican ) 42.5 % Doug Campbell ( Constitution ) 2.6 % Bob Kinsey ( Green ) 2.1 % Delaware Joe Biden Democratic 1972 1978 1984 1990 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Joe Biden ( Democratic ) 64.7 % Christine O'Donnell ( Republican ) 35.3 % Georgia Saxby Chambliss Republican 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Saxby Chambliss ( Republican ) 49.8 % Jim Martin ( Democratic ) 46.8 % Allen Buckley ( Libertarian ) 3.4 % Runoff : Chambliss 57.5 % Martin 42.5 % Idaho Larry Craig Republican 1990 2002 Incumbent retired. New member elected. Republican hold. √ Jim Risch ( Republican ) 57.7 % Larry LaRocco ( Democratic ) 34.1 % Rex Rammell ( Independent ) 5.4 % Kent Marmon ( Libertarian ) 1.5 % Pro-Life ( Independent ) 1.3 % Illinois Dick Durbin Democratic 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Dick Durbin ( Democratic ) 67.8 % Steve Sauerberg ( Republican ) 28.5 % Kathy Cummings ( Green ) 2.2 % Larry Stafford ( Libertarian ) 0.9 % Chad Koppie ( Constitution ) 0.5 % Iowa Tom Harkin Democratic 1984 1990 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Tom Harkin ( Democratic ) 62.7 % Christopher Reed ( Republican ) 37.3 % Kansas Pat Roberts Republican 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Pat Roberts ( Republican ) 60.0 % Jim Slattery ( Democratic ) 36.4 % Randall Hodgkinson ( Libertarian ) 2.1 % Joseph Martin ( Reform ) 1.3 % Kentucky Mitch McConnell Republican 1984 1990 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Mitch McConnell ( Republican ) 53.0 % Bruce Lunsford ( Democratic ) 47.0 % Louisiana Mary Landrieu Democratic 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Mary Landrieu ( Democratic ) 52.1 % John Neely Kennedy ( Republican ) 45.7 % Richard Fontanesi ( Libertarian ) 1.0 % Jay Patel ( Independent ) 0.7 % Robert Stewart ( Independent ) 0.5 % Maine Susan Collins Republican 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Susan Collins ( Republican ) 61.3 % Tom Allen ( Democratic ) 38.6 % Massachusetts John Kerry Democratic 1984 1990 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ John Kerry ( Democratic ) 65.8 % Jeff Beatty ( Republican ) 31.0 % Robert Underwood ( Libertarian ) 3.2 % Michigan Carl Levin Democratic 1978 1984 1990 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Carl Levin ( Democratic ) 62.7 % Jack Hoogendyk ( Republican ) 33.8 % Scott Boman ( Libertarian ) 1.6 % Harley Mikkelson ( Green ) 0.9 % Michael Nikitin ( Constitution ) 0.6 % Doug Dern ( Natural Law ) 0.4 % Minnesota Norm Coleman Republican 2002 Incumbent lost re-election. New member elected. Democratic gain. √ Al Franken ( DFL ) 41.99 % Norm Coleman ( Republican ) 41.98 % Dean Barkley ( MIP ) 15.15 % Charles Aldrich ( Libertarian ) 0.48 % James Niemackl ( Constitution ) 0.31 Write - ins 0.08 % Mississippi Thad Cochran Republican 1978 1984 1990 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Thad Cochran ( Republican ) 61.4 % Erik Fleming ( Democratic ) 38.6 % Montana Max Baucus Democratic 1978 1984 1990 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Max Baucus ( Democratic ) 72.9 % Bob Kelleher ( Republican ) 27.1 % Nebraska Chuck Hagel Republican 2002 Incumbent retired. New member elected. Republican hold. √ Mike Johanns ( Republican ) 57.5 % Scott Kleeb ( Democratic ) 40.1 % Kelly Rosberg ( Nebraska ) 1.4 % Steve Larrick ( Green ) 1.0 % New Hampshire John E. Sununu Republican 2002 Incumbent lost re-election. New member elected. Democratic gain. √ Jeanne Shaheen ( Democratic ) 51.7 % John E. Sununu ( Republican ) 45.2 % Ken Blevens ( Libertarian ) 3.1 % New Jersey Frank Lautenberg Democratic 1982 1982 ( Appointed ) 1988 1994 2000 ( Retired ) 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Frank Lautenberg ( Democratic ) 56.0 % Dick Zimmer ( Republican ) 42.0 % Jason Scheurer ( Libertarian ) 0.5 % J.M. Carter ( Independent ) 0.5 % Daryl Mikell Brooks ( Independent ) 0.5 % Jeffrey Boss ( Independent ) 0.3 % Sara Lobman ( Socialist Workers ) 0.3 % New Mexico Pete Domenici Republican 1972 1978 1984 1990 2002 Incumbent retired. New member elected. Democratic gain. √ Tom Udall ( Democratic ) 61.3 % Steve Pearce ( Republican ) 38.7 % North Carolina Elizabeth Dole Republican 2002 Incumbent lost re-election. New member elected. Democratic gain. √ Kay Hagan ( Democratic ) 52.7 % Elizabeth Dole ( Republican ) 44.2 % Chris Cole ( Libertarian ) 3.1 % Oklahoma Jim Inhofe Republican 1994 ( Special ) 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Jim Inhofe ( Republican ) 56.7 % Andrew Rice ( Democratic ) 39.2 % Stephen Wallace ( Independent ) 4.1 % Oregon Gordon Smith Republican 2002 Incumbent lost re-election. New member elected. Democratic gain. √ Jeff Merkley ( Democratic ) 48.9 % Gordon Smith ( Republican ) 45.6 % Dave Brownlow ( Constitution ) 5.2 % Rhode Island Jack Reed Democratic 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Jack Reed ( Democratic ) 73.4 % Robert Tingle ( Republican ) 26.6 % South Carolina Lindsey Graham Republican 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Lindsey Graham ( Republican ) 57.5 % Bob Conley ( Democratic ) 42.3 % South Dakota Tim Johnson Democratic 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Tim Johnson ( Democratic ) 62.5 % Joel Dykstra ( Republican ) 37.5 % Tennessee Lamar Alexander Republican 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Lamar Alexander ( Republican ) 65.1 % Bob Tuke ( Democratic ) 31.6 % Edward Buck ( Independent ) 1.3 % Christopher Fenner ( Independent ) 0.5 % Daniel Lewis ( Libertarian ) 0.4 % Chris Lugo ( Green ) 0.4 % Ed Lawhorn ( Independent ) 0.4 % David Gatchell 0.3 % ( Independent ) Texas John Cornyn Republican 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ John Cornyn ( Republican ) 54.8 % Rick Noriega ( Democratic ) 42.8 % Yvonne Adams Schick ( Libertarian ) 2.3 % Virginia John Warner Republican 1978 1984 1990 2002 Incumbent retired. New member elected. Democratic gain. √ Mark Warner ( Democratic ) 65.0 % Jim Gilmore ( Republican ) 33.7 % Bill Redpath ( Libertarian ) 0.6 % Gail Parker ( Independent Green ) 0.6 % West Virginia Jay Rockefeller Democratic 1984 1990 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Jay Rockefeller ( Democratic ) 63.7 % Jay Wolfe ( Republican ) 36.3 % Wyoming Mike Enzi Republican 2002 Incumbent re-elected. √ Mike Enzi ( Republican ) 75.6 % Chris Rothfuss ( Democratic ) 24.3 % Special elections during the next Congress There were no special elections in 2009. Freshmen Results of the Senate election by county There were 18 freshman Senators in the 111th United States Congress. Ten were elected on November 4, 2008. In addition, two freshmen were appointed to fill vacancies created by Barack Obama 's and Joe Biden 's resignations to become president and vice president. Two more freshmen were appointed to the Senate as a consequence of the appointment of Hillary Clinton to be Secretary of State and Ken Salazar to be Secretary of the Interior. George LeMieux was appointed to replace Mel Martinez upon his resignation. A temporary interim senator, Paul G. Kirk, was appointed to the seat of Edward M. Kennedy upon his death. He was replaced by Scott Brown in the United States Senate special election in Massachusetts, 2010. Mark Begich ( D - AK ) Al Franken ( D - MN ) Kay Hagan ( D - NC ) Mike Johanns ( R - NE ) Jeff Merkley ( D - OR ) Jim Risch ( R - ID ) Jeanne Shaheen ( D - NH ) Mark Udall ( D - CO ) Tom Udall ( D - NM ) Mark Warner ( D - VA ) Roland Burris ( D - IL, Obama 's successor ), appointed in 2008 Ted Kaufman ( D - DE, Biden 's successor ), appointed in 2009 Kirsten Gillibrand ( D - NY, Clinton 's successor ), appointed in 2009 Michael Bennet ( D - CO, Salazar 's successor ), appointed in 2009 George LeMieux ( R - FL, Martinez 's successor ), appointed in 2009 Paul G. Kirk ( D - MA, Kennedy 's successor ), appointed in 2009 Scott Brown ( R - MA, Paul Kirk 's successor ) Chris Coons ( D - DE, Kaufman 's successor ), elected in 2010 Mark Kirk ( R - IL, Burris 's successor ), elected in 2010 Hill committees ' role Each major party has Hill committees that work to support its candidates for the House and Senate, chiefly by providing funds. On the Senate side, the committees are the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee ( DSCC ) and the National Republican Senatorial Committee ( NRSC ). In this cycle the DSCC was more successful at fundraising. As of June 30, 2008, data from the Federal Election Commission showed the NRSC with $24.6 million on hand, as compared with the DSCC 's $43 million. The NRSC chair, Senator John Ensign, took the unusual step of chastising the Republican Senators who, like him, were not facing re-election, and who he thought should have done more to help raise money for their colleagues. Alabama United States Senate election in Alabama, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Jeff Sessions Vivian Davis Figures Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 1,305,383 752,391 Percentage 63.36 % 36.52 % County Results U.S. Senator before election Jeff Sessions Republican Elected U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Alabama, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Alabama Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions sought re-election to a third term. Johnny Swanson announced his candidacy in March 2006 for the Democratic nomination. Despite voting heavily for Bush in 2004, Alabama still had a strong Democratic presence ; Democrats controlled majorities of both chambers in the state legislature. Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Ron Sparks appeared to be preparing for a run, but on June 12, 2007, Sparks announced that he would not seek the Senate seat, in order to avoid a primary battle with state Senator Vivian Davis Figures. Figures has won elections in the Republican - leaning Mobile area. In the Democratic primary, Figures won the nomination and face Sessions in November. Not on the ballot, but running a write - in campaign, was Darryl W. Perry, the 2004 Libertarian Party nominee for Pennsylvania State Treasurer and 2007 candidate for Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. Perry was endorsed by Alabama Statesmen, Boston Tea Party, Christians for Life and Liberty and PaulCongress.com Sessions defeated Figures, taking 63 % of the vote to Figures 's 37 % Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Jeff Sessions 199,690 92.27 % Republican Earl Mack Gavin 16,718 7.73 % Total votes 216,408 100.00 % Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Vivian Davis Figures 112,074 63.72 % Democratic Johnny Swanson 38,757 22.03 % Democratic Mark Townsend 25,058 14.25 % Total votes 175,889 100.00 % United States Senate election in Alabama, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % Republican Jeff Sessions ( Incumbent ) 1,305,383 63.36 % Democratic Vivian Figures 752,391 36.52 % Write - in Write - ins 2,417 0.12 % Invalid or blank votes Total votes 2,060,191 100.00 % Turnout N / A Republican hold Alaska United States Senate election in Alaska, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Mark Begich Ted Stevens Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 151,767 147,814 Percentage 47.8 % 46.5 % U.S. Senator before election Ted Stevens Republican Elected U.S. Senator Mark Begich Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Alaska, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Alaska Alaska ADL senatorial primary, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Mark Begich 63,747 84.12 % Democratic Ray Metcalfe 5,480 7.23 % Alaskan Independence Bob Bird 4,216 5.56 % Libertarian Fredrick Haase 1,375 1.81 % Democratic Frank Vondersaar 965 1.27 % Total votes 75,783 100.00 % Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Ted Stevens 66,900 63.52 % Republican David Cuddy 28,364 26.93 % Republican Vic Vickers 6,102 5.79 % Republican Michael Corey 1,496 1.42 % Republican Roderic Sikma 1,133 1.08 % Republican Rich Wanda 732 0.69 % Republican Gerald Heikes 599 0.57 % Total votes 105,326 100.00 % United States Senate election in Alaska, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Mark Begich 151,767 47.77 % + 37.26 % Republican Ted Stevens ( Incumbent ) 147,814 46.52 % - 31.65 % Alaskan Independence Bob Bird 13,197 4.15 % + 1.22 % Libertarian Fredrick Haase 2,483 0.78 % - 0.25 % Independent Ted Gianoutsos 1,385 0.44 % Write - ins 1,077 0.34 % Majority 3,953 1.24 % - 66.42 % Turnout 317,723 Democratic gain from Republican Swing Dispelling rumors that he would retire due to advanced age ( he was 84 years old on election day ) and ongoing federal investigations into his conduct, Senator Ted Stevens filed papers for re-election for an eighth term. An ex-oil company executive, Bill Allen, paid for part of the renovation costs on Stevens 's personal residence. The FBI investigated the remodeling of Stevens home by Veco Corp., which is part of a broader corruption investigation involving Stevens 's son, former State Senate President Ben Stevens. Two former Veco executives have plead guilty to paying the younger Stevens $242,000 in bribes. On July 30, 2007, the IRS and FBI raided Stevens 's home in Alaska. On September 14, 2007, former Veco CEO Bill Allen testified at the trial of former State House Speaker Pete Kott that Veco paid people working to double the size of Stevens 's home. On July 29, 2008, a federal grand jury indicted Stevens on seven felony counts for making false statements, and on October 26, a jury found Stevens guilty on all charges. The Democratic candidate was Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, the son of popular former Democratic Representative Nick Begich. Begich announced his candidacy for the Senate seat on April 22, 2008. On October 19, 2007, the AP reported that despite the allegations and FBI probe, several veteran GOP Senators -- including Orrin Hatch ( R - UT ), Kay Bailey Hutchison ( R - TX ), and Kit Bond ( R - MO ) -- donated enough money to Stevens 's re-election campaign to make it one of Stevens 's most successful fund raising quarters ever. Stevens 's conviction on seven felony counts of corruption put his re-election bid in serious jeopardy, coming just over a week before the election, though Stevens appealed the conviction. Nevertheless, Stevens was narrowly ahead in the vote count after election day, with only about two - thirds of all votes counted. It only became clear Begich had prevailed when early votes, absentee ballots, and questioned ballots were counted. On November 18, the race was called for Begich, who won with 47.8 % to Stevens 's 46.5 %. On April 1, 2009 U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, citing serious prosecutorial misconduct during the trial, decided to drop all charges against Stevens -- an action that vacated his conviction. Arkansas United States Senate election in Arkansas, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Mark Pryor Rebekah Kennedy Party Democratic Green Popular vote 804,678 207,076 Percentage 79.5 % 20.5 % County results U.S. Senator before election Mark Pryor Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Mark Pryor Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Arkansas, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Arkansas United States Senate election in Arkansas, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Mark Pryor ( Incumbent ) 804,678 79.53 % Green Rebekah Kennedy 207,076 20.47 % Total votes 1,011,754 100.00 % Invalid or blank votes 75,586 n / a Democratic hold Despite being a first - term senator in a state George W. Bush won twice, Democrat Mark Pryor faced no opposition from Republicans in his re-election bid. Although Bush carried the state twice, Arkansas Democrats swept the seven state races held in the 2006 general election. Pryor is the son of longtime U.S. Senator and former Arkansas Governor David Pryor. It was rumored that Lt. Governor Bill Halter would challenge Pryor in the primary, but Halter declined to file as a candidate. Rebekah Kennedy of the Green Party was Pryor 's only opposition. Pryor won on election day, with 79.53 % of the vote. Kennedy took 20.47 %. Colorado United States Senate election in Colorado, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Mark Udall Bob Schaffer Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 1,230,994 990,755 Percentage 52.8 % 42.5 % County results U.S. Senator before election Wayne Allard Republican Elected U.S. Senator Mark Udall Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Colorado, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Colorado Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Mark Udall 194,227 100.00 % Total votes 194,227 100.00 % Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Bob Schaffer 239,212 100.00 % Total votes 239,212 100.00 % General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Mark Udall 1,230,994 52.80 % + 7.03 % Republican Bob Schaffer 990,755 42.49 % - 8.20 % Constitution Douglas Campbell 59,733 2.56 % + 1.04 % Green Bob Kinsey 50,004 2.14 % Write - ins 135 0.01 % Majority 240,239 10.30 % + 5.38 % Turnout 2,331,621 Democratic gain from Republican Swing On January 15, 2007, incumbent Senator Wayne Allard ( R ) announced he would not seek re-election, honoring his pledge to serve no more than two terms. Former Representative Bob Schaffer of Fort Collins was the Republican nominee. Former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway was rumored to be considering a run, but declined to do so. Other possible Republican candidates included former Congressman Scott McInnis and Colorado Attorney General John Suthers. The Democratic nominee was 2nd district Congressman Mark Udall of Boulder who announced on January 15, 2007, that he would seek the seat and did not draw significant primary opposition. Other candidates included Bob Kinsey of Denver as the Green Party nominee, Douglas `` Dayhorse '' Campbell as the American Constitution Party 's nominee, and Independent candidate Buddy Moore, unaffiliated any party. On Election Day, Udall defeated Schaffer 52 % to 43 %. Delaware United States Senate election in Delaware, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2010 → Nominee Joe Biden Christine O'Donnell Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 257,539 140,595 Percentage 64.7 % 35.3 % County results U.S. Senator before election Joe Biden Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Joe Biden Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Delaware, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Delaware United States Senate election in Delaware, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Joe Biden ( Incumbent ) 257,539 64.69 % + 6.47 % Republican Christine O'Donnell 140,595 35.31 % - 5.49 % Majority 116,944 29.37 % + 11.96 % Turnout 398,134 Democratic hold Swing On August 23, 2008, the Democratic nominee for President, Barack Obama, announced that Biden would be joining him on the ticket as the Vice Presidential nominee. Delaware law allowed Biden to run for Vice President and Senator at the same time, so he would have kept the seat if the ticket had lost. In 2000, the Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee Joe Lieberman ran similarly. On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama won the presidential election, making Biden the next VP. Biden vacated his senate seat shortly after the election, allowing for the Governor of Delaware to appoint a successor. There was speculation as to whether the outgoing Governor, Ruth Ann Minner, or the incoming Governor - elect Jack Markell would make the appointment, and if Biden 's son, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden would receive the appointment. On November 24, 2008, Governor Minner appointed Biden 's longtime Chief of Staff Ted Kaufman to fill the seat. Kaufman subsequently announced that he would not seek election to a full term in 2010, effectively making him a caretaker. Biden 's Republican opponent in the Senate race, conservative political commentator Christine O'Donnell, tried to make an issue of Biden 's dual campaigns, claiming that serving his constituents is not important to him. Kaufman has since stated that he will not run for the unexpired term in 2010. Biden was re-elected with 65 % of the vote, or 257,484 votes. O'Donnell received 140,584 votes ( 35 % of the vote ). Georgia United States Senate election in Georgia, 2008 ← 2002 November 4 and December 2, 2008 2014 → Nominee Saxby Chambliss Jim Martin Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 1,867,097 general 1,228,033 runoff 1,757,393 general 909,923 runoff Percentage 49.8 % general 57.4 % runoff 46.8 % general 42.6 % runoff County results ( general ) U.S. Senator before election Saxby Chambliss Republican Elected U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Georgia, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Georgia 2008 Georgia U.S. Senate Republican primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Saxby Chambliss 392,902 100.0 % Turnout 392,928 100.0 % 2008 Georgia U.S. Senate Democratic primary election Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Vernon Jones 199,026 40.4 % Democratic Jim Martin 169,635 34.4 % Democratic Dale Cardwell 79,181 16.1 % Democratic Rand Knight 25,667 5.2 % Democratic Josh Lanier 19,717 4.0 % Total votes 493,226 100.0 % 2008 Georgia U.S. Senate Democratic primary election runoff Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Jim Martin 191,061 59.9 % + 25.5 % Democratic Vernon Jones 127,993 40.1 % - 0.3 % Total votes 319,054 100.0 % Initial November results by county 2008 Georgia U.S. Senator general election Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Saxby Chambliss ( Incumbent ) 1,867,097 49.8 % - 3.0 % Democratic Jim Martin 1,757,393 46.8 % + 0.9 % Libertarian Allen Buckley 127,923 3.4 % + 2.1 % Socialist Workers Eleanor Garcia ( write - in ) 43 0.0 % n / a Independent William Salomone, Jr. ( write - in ) 29 0.0 % n / a Majority 109,704 2.92 % Turnout 3,752,577 December run - off results by county Runoff results Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Saxby Chambliss ( Incumbent ) 1,228,033 57.4 % + 7.6 % Democratic Jim Martin 909,923 42.6 % - 4.2 % Majority 318,110 14.8 % Turnout 2,137,956 Republican hold Swing In the 2008 election, first - term incumbent Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss was opposed primarily by Democrat Jim Martin, as well as third party candidates, including Libertarian Allen Buckley and Eleanor Garcia of the Socialist Workers Party. Martin, current Georgia Commissioner of Human Resources, former member of the Georgia General Assembly, Vietnam War veteran, and 2006 candidate for Lieutenant Governor, secured the Democratic nomination after defeating Dekalb County CEO Vernon Jones by a 59 % to 41 % margin in the August 5 run - off election. In December 2007, Chambliss had an approval rating of 53 % and a disapproval rating of 34 % according to Strategic Vision, a Republican polling firm. For most of the campaign, Chambliss maintained a comfortable lead in most polls. However, in the weeks leading up to the 2008 general election, polls showed the race tightening, reflecting a general nationwide trend. On November 4, 2008, Chambliss received 49.7 % of the vote, with Martin about 3 % behind and Buckley receiving 3 % of the vote. However, Georgia law states that if no candidate receives a simple majority of the popular vote, then the election will be decided in a run - off. On December 2, 2008, Chambliss won the run - off with 57 % of vote to Martin 's 43 %. Idaho United States Senate election in Idaho, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Jim Risch Larry LaRocco Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 371,744 219,903 Percentage 57.7 % 34.1 % Nominee Rex Rammell Party Independent Popular vote 34,510 Percentage 5.4 % County results U.S. Senator before election Larry Craig Republican Elected U.S. Senator Jim Risch Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Idaho, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Idaho Democratic Primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Larry LaRocco 29,023 72.35 % Democratic David J. Archuleta 11,074 27.60 % Democratic Write - ins 20 0.05 % Total votes 40,117 100.00 % Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Jim Risch 80,743 65.34 % Republican Scott Syme 16,660 13.48 % Republican Richard Phenneger 6,532 5.29 % Republican Neal Thompson 5,375 4.35 % Republican Fred M. Adams 4,987 4.04 % Republican Bill Hunter 4,280 3.46 % Republican Brian E. Hefner 2,915 2.36 % Republican Hal James Styles, Jr. 2,082 1.68 % Total votes 123,574 100.00 % General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Jim Risch 371,744 57.65 % - 7.51 % Democratic Larry LaRocco 219,903 34.11 % + 1.56 % Independent Rex Rammell 34,510 5.35 % Libertarian Kent Marmon 9,958 1.54 % - 0.75 % Independent Pro-Life 8,662 1.35 % Write - ins 0.00 % Majority 151,841 23.55 % - 9.06 % Turnout 644,780 Republican hold Swing On September 1, 2007, Senator Larry Craig announced his intent to resign from the Senate effective September 30, 2007. The announcement followed by just six days the disclosure that he had pleaded guilty on August 1, 2007 to a reduced misdemeanor charge arising out of his arrest on June 11 at the Minneapolis airport for soliciting sex with a man in the restroom. Craig found almost no support among Republicans in his home state or Washington. On October 4, 2007, Senator Craig announced he will not seek re-election, but would remain in office until the end of his term. Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch was the Republican candidate ; U.S. Army veteran and former congressman Larry LaRocco was the Democratic candidate. Risch and LaRocco ran against each other in the 2006 Lieutenant Governor race, which Risch won by a wide margin. Libertarian Kent Marmon also ran. The last Democratic Senator from Idaho was Frank Church, who was defeated in the Republican landslide of 1980 after serving four terms. Risch won the election with approximately 58 % of the vote. Illinois United States Senate election in Illinois, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Dick Durbin Steve Sauerberg Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 3,615,844 1,520,621 Percentage 67.84 % 28.53 % County Results U.S. Senator before election Dick Durbin Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Dick Durbin Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Illinois, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Illinois Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Dick Durbin ( Incumbent ) 1,653,833 100.00 % Total votes 1,653,833 100.00 % Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Steve Sauerberg 395,199 55.62 % Republican Andy Martin 240,548 33.85 % Republican Mike Psak 74,829 10.53 % Total votes 710,576 100.00 % United States Senate election in Illinois, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Dick Durbin ( Incumbent ) 3,615,844 67.84 % + 7.51 % Republican Steve Sauerberg 1,520,621 28.53 % - 9.49 % Green Kathy Cummings 119,135 2.24 % 0.00 % Libertarian Larry A. Stafford 50,224 0.94 % - 0.70 % Constitution Chad N. Koppie 24,059 0.45 % 0.00 % Majority 2,095,223 39.31 % + 17.00 % Turnout 5,329,884 Democratic hold Swing Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin remained favored in Illinois. He sought to be re-elected in a state that has steadily become more Democratic since 1992. CQpolitics.com rated the contest as `` safe Democrat. '' Physician Steve Sauerberg of La Grange won the February 5 Republican primary. Kathy Cummings, a retired special education teacher was nominated via convention by the Green Party. Chad Koppie, a retired airline pilot and vice-chairman of the Illinois Center Right Coalition, was the nominee of the Constitution Party. Durbin won with 63 % of the vote. Sauerberg had 33 %. Iowa United States Senate election in Iowa, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Tom Harkin Christopher Reed Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 941,665 560,006 Percentage 62.66 % 37.26 % County results U.S. Senator before election Tom Harkin Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Tom Harkin Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Iowa, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Iowa Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Tom Harkin ( Incumbent ) 90,785 98.83 % Democratic Write - ins 1,074 1.17 % Total votes 91,859 100.00 % Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Christopher Reed 24,964 35.32 % Republican George Eichhorn 24,390 34.52 % Republican Steve Rathje 21,062 29.80 % Republican Write - ins 256 0.36 % Total votes 70,672 100.00 % United States Senate election in Iowa, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Tom Harkin ( Incumbent ) 941,665 62.66 % + 8.48 % Republican Christopher Reed 560,006 37.26 % - 6.52 % Write - ins 1,247 0.08 % Majority 381,659 25.39 % + 15.00 % Turnout 1,502,918 Democratic hold Swing In a state that has been trending to the Democratic party recently, Senator Tom Harkin faced the Republican nominee, small business owner Christopher Reed, whom he defeated with 63 % of the vote to Reed 's 37 %. Kansas United States Senate election in Kansas, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Pat Roberts Jim Slattery Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 712,396 429,691 Percentage 60.1 % 36.5 % County results U.S. Senator before election Pat Roberts Republican Elected U.S. Senator Pat Roberts Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Kansas, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Kansas Republican Party primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Pat Roberts ( Incumbent ) 214,911 100.00 % Total votes 214,911 100.00 % Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Jim Slattery 68,106 68.93 % Democratic Lee Jones 30,699 31.07 % Total votes 98,805 100.00 % General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Pat Roberts ( Incumbent ) 727,121 60.06 % - 22.46 % Democratic Jim Slattery 441,399 36.46 % Libertarian Randall Hodgkinson 25,727 2.12 % - 6.98 % Reform Joseph L. Martin 16,443 1.36 % - 7.02 % Majority 285,722 23.60 % - 49.82 % Turnout 1,210,690 Republican hold Swing Senator Pat Roberts sought re-election to a third term. Although Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1932, former Democratic Congressman and army veteran Jim Slattery was nominated to run against Roberts. Pat Roberts currently has an approval rating of 56 %. Roberts was re-elected with 60 % to Slattery 's 36 %. Kentucky United States Senate election in Kentucky, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Mitch McConnell Bruce Lunsford Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 953,816 847,005 Percentage 53.0 % 47.0 % County results U.S. Senator before election Mitch McConnell Republican Elected U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Kentucky, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Kentucky Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Mitch McConnell 168,127 86.09 % Republican Daniel Essek 27,170 13.91 % Total votes 195,297 100.00 % Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Bruce Lunsford 316,992 51.15 % Democratic Greg Fischer 209,827 33.85 % Democratic David L. Williams 34,363 5.54 % Democratic Michael Cassaro 17,340 2.80 % Democratic Kenneth Stepp 13,451 2.17 % Democratic David Wylie 7,528 1.21 % Democratic James E. Rice 2,365 3.28 % Total votes 619,904 100.00 % General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Mitch McConnell 953,816 52.97 % - 11.7 % Democratic Bruce Lunsford 847,005 47.03 % + 11.7 % Turnout 1,800,821 62.00 % + 19.2 % Republican hold Swing Election results by county. Red indicates McConnell led in a county, while blue indicates that Lunsford received more votes. Counties are shaded to indicate the margin of victory. Democrats made Senate Minority Leader, four - term Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky a target due to his leadership of Senate Republicans and his ties to President Bush, as well as his mediocre approval rating in the state, which is below 50 %. Businessman and U.S. Army veteran Bruce Lunsford, who lost the 2007 Democratic gubernatorial primary to current Governor Steve Beshear, was the Democratic nominee. Once thought to be secure in his re-election, McConnell 's lead had shrunk dramatically thanks to the financial crisis and polling showed the race tightening between him and Lunsford. Nevertheless, McConnell was re-elected by a margin of 53 % to 47 %. Louisiana United States Senate election in Louisiana, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Mary Landrieu John Neely Kennedy Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 988,298 867,177 Percentage 52.1 % 45.7 % Parish results U.S. Senator before election Mary Landrieu Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Louisiana, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Louisiana General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Mary Landrieu ( Incumbent ) 988,298 52.11 % + 0.41 % Republican John Neely Kennedy 867,177 45.72 % - 2.58 % Libertarian Richard Fontanesi 18,590 0.98 % n / a Independent Jay Patel 13,729 0.72 % n / a Independent Robert Stewart 8,780 0.46 % n / a Majority 121,121 6.39 % + 2.99 Turnout 1,896,574 100.0 % Democratic hold Swing Incumbent Mary Landrieu was elected in 1996 following a recount and was narrowly re-elected in 2002 in a runoff election. Since those elections, Democrats have had to endure the loss of some reliable voters because Hurricane Katrina dispersed many African - Americans from New Orleans, although the vast majority still live within Louisiana. The state has become more Republican over the past 12 years. Louisiana elected David Vitter in 2004, the state 's first Republican senator since Reconstruction. And Louisianans elected Republican Bobby Jindal as the first Indian - American Governor in the country 's history in 2007. Louisiana 's electoral votes easily went to George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. On August 27, 2007, state Treasurer John Neely Kennedy announced he was switching parties from Democrat to Republican. On November 29, after being personally recruited by Vitter and former Bush administration official Karl Rove, Kennedy announced plans to challenge Landrieu in 2008. In the end, Landrieu was re-elected with 52 % of the vote, Kennedy having 46 %. Maine United States Senate election in Maine, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Susan Collins Tom Allen Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 444,300 279,510 Percentage 61.3 % 38.6 % County results U.S. Senator before election Susan Collins Republican Elected U.S. Senator Susan Collins Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Maine, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Maine 2008 Maine U.S. Senate Democratic primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Tom Allen 69,932 85.6 % Democratic Tom Ledue 11,795 14.4 % Turnout 81,727 General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Susan Collins 444,300 61.33 % + 2.9 % Democratic Tom Allen 279,510 38.58 % - 3.0 % write - ins 620 0.09 % n / a Majority 164,790 Turnout 724,430 Republican hold Swing In Maine, Susan Collins sought a third term in the Senate. She has maintained a high approval rating, and also in her favor is the landslide re-election of Maine 's senior Senator, Olympia Snowe, who had the largest margin of victory of any GOP Senate candidate - besides the largely unopposed Richard Lugar ( R - IN ) - in the 2006 election cycle. Collins was re-elected with 58 % of the vote in 2002 over State Sen. Chellie Pingree. Fellow Senator Joe Lieberman, citing his status as an independent, endorsed Collins in her 2008 re-election bid. On May 8, 2007, Rep. Tom Allen ( ME - 1 ) announced his candidacy on his website. He had already expressed interest in running and had been building the apparatus necessary to wage a Senate campaign. Collins won on election day with 61 % of the vote, compared to 39 % for Allen. Massachusetts United States Senate election in Massachusetts, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2013 ( special ) → Nominee John Kerry Jeff Beatty Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 1,959,843 922,727 Percentage 65.8 % 31.0 % County results U.S. Senator before election John Kerry Democratic Elected U.S. Senator John Kerry Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Massachusetts, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Massachusetts 2008 United States Senate Democratic primary in Massachusetts Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic John Kerry 335,923 68.92 % Democratic Edward O'Reilly 151,473 31.08 % Turnout 487,396 Results by city and town General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic John Kerry ( Incumbent ) 1,959,843 65.82 % - 14.2 % Republican Jeff Beatty 922,727 30.99 % + 30.99 % Libertarian Robert J. Underwood 94,727 3.18 % - 15.1 % Majority 1,037,116 Turnout 2,977,631 Democratic hold Swing Incumbent John Kerry sought another Senate term in Massachusetts. Republican author and conservative activist Jerome Corsi, known for his public criticism of Kerry, had stated that he would run for the seat in 2008 but later changed his mind. Jim Ogonowski, a retired Air Force pilot who was closely defeated by now - Representative Niki Tsongas in a 2007 special election, was running against Kerry. but failed to obtain the required candidacy signatures. The Republican challenger turned out to be Jeff Beatty, an ex-Army Delta Force officer who garnered 30 % of the vote in a challenge to Democratic Congressman Bill Delahunt in 2006. Kerry was challenged by defense attorney Edward O'Reilly for the Democratic nomination, winning 69 % of the vote to O'Reilly's 31 %. As expected, Kerry won with 66 % of the vote to Beatty 's 31 %. Libertarian Robert J. Underwood had 3 %. Michigan United States Senate election in Michigan, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Carl Levin Jack Hoogendyk Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 3,038,386 1,641,070 Percentage 62.7 % 33.8 % County results U.S. Senator before election Carl Levin Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Carl Levin Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Michigan, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Michigan General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Carl Levin ( Incumbent ) 3,038,386 62.7 % + 2.1 % Republican Jack Hoogendyk 1,641,070 33.8 % - 4.1 % Libertarian Scotty Boman 76,347 1.6 % n / a Green Harley Mikkelson 43,440 0.9 % + 0.1 % U.S. Taxpayers Michael Nikitin 30,827 0.6 % n / a Natural Law Doug Dern 18,550 0.4 % + 0.1 % Majority 1,397,316 Turnout 4,848,620 Democratic hold Swing With the Democratic Party takeover of Capitol Hill in the 2006 midterm elections, Senator Carl Levin has become one of the most powerful people in Washington as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He was expected to easily win re-election. Challenging Levin were Republican State Representative Jack Hoogendyk, Green candidate Harley G. Mikkelson, US Taxpayers ' candidate Mike Nikitin, Libertarian professor Scotty Boman, and Natural Law 's candidate Doug Dern. As expected, Levin won re-election with 63 % of the vote, to Hoogendyk 's 34 %. Minnesota Minnesota results by county Red : Republican, Blue : Democratic United States Senate election in Minnesota, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Al Franken Norm Coleman Dean Barkley Party DFL Republican Independence Popular vote 1,212,629 1,212,317 437,505 Percentage 41.99 % 41.98 % 15.15 % County results U.S. Senator before election Norm Coleman Republican Elected U.S. Senator Al Franken DFL Main article : United States Senate election in Minnesota, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Minnesota 2008 Minnesota U.S. Senate Primary Election ( Democratic -- Farmer -- Labor Party ) Party Candidate Votes % ± DFL Al Franken 164,136 65.34 % DFL Priscilla Lord Faris 74,655 29.72 % DFL Dick Franson 3,923 1.56 % DFL Bob Larson 3,152 1.25 % DFL Rob Fitzgerald 3,095 1.23 % DFL Ole Savior 1,227 0.49 % DFL Alve Erickson 1,017 0.40 % Turnout 251,205 2008 Minnesota U.S. Senate Primary Election ( Independence Party ) Party Candidate Votes % ± Independence Dean Barkley 6,678 58.88 % Independence Jack Uldrich 1,405 12.39 % Independence Stephen Williams 800 7.05 % Independence Kurt Michael Anderson 761 6.71 % Independence Doug Williams 639 5.63 % Independence Darryl Stanton 618 5.45 % Independence Bill Dahn 440 3.88 % Turnout 11,341 2008 Minnesota U.S. Senate Primary Election ( Republican Party ) Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Norm Coleman ( Incumbent ) 130,973 91.32 % Republican Jack Shepard 12,456 8.68 % Turnout 143,429 2007 year - end reports filed with the Federal Election Commission showed that Al Franken had raised $7.04 million through December 31, 2007 while Norm Coleman had raised $6.24 million. Year - end cash on hand was $6.04 million for Coleman and $3.10 million for Franken. 2008 Minnesota U.S. Senate Election : Results certified November 18 Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Norm Coleman ( Incumbent ) 1,211,590 41.988 % − 7.541 % DFL Al Franken 1,211,375 41.981 % − 5.355 % Independence Dean Barkley 437,404 15.19 % + 13.16 % Libertarian Charles Aldrich 13,916 0.48 % n / a Constitution James Niemackl 8,905 0.31 % + 0.21 % Write - ins 2,365 0.08 % Plurality 215 0.007 % Turnout 2,885,555 Note : The ± % column reflects the change in total number of votes won by each party from the previous election. Additionally, votes cast for Paul Wellstone in the 2002 election are not factored into the DFL 's total from that year. Recounting ballots by hand in Olmsted County. Hennepin County ballot paper. 2008 Minnesota U.S. Senate Election : Results certified January 5, 2009 Party Candidate Votes % ± DFL Al Franken 1,212,431 41.991 % − 5.35 % Republican Norm Coleman ( Incumbent ) 1,212,206 41.984 % − 7.55 % Independence Dean Barkley 437,505 15.15 % + 13.15 % Libertarian Charles Aldrich 13,923 0.48 % n / a Constitution James Niemackl 8,907 0.31 % + 0.21 % Write - ins 2,365 0.08 % Plurality 225 0.007 % Turnout 2,887,337 † 2008 Minnesota U.S. Senate Election : Certified Results after election contest Party Candidate Votes % ± DFL Al Franken 1,212,629 41.994 % − 5.35 % Republican Norm Coleman ( Incumbent ) 1,212,317 41.983 % − 7.55 % Independence Dean Barkley 437,505 15.151 % + 13.15 % Libertarian Charles Aldrich 13,923 0.48 % n / a Constitution James Niemackl 8,907 0.31 % + 0.21 % Write - ins 2,365 0.08 % Plurality 312 0.011 % Turnout 2,887,646 DFL gain from Republican Swing The 2008 U.S. Senate election in Minnesota featured first - term Republican incumbent Senator Norm Coleman, Democrat Al Franken, a comedian and radio personality, and former U.S. Senator Dean Barkley, a member of the Independence Party of Minnesota. A December 2007 poll showed Coleman 's approval rating among Minnesota voters at 53 %. The seat was heavily targeted by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee because of Minnesota 's Democratic leanings and recent Democratic gains in national and statewide elections. These factors, coupled with a national political climate favorable to Democrats, made the Minnesota Senate race one of the most competitive and closely watched of the cycle. Franken announced his candidacy on February 14, 2007, more than 20 months before the election. Jack Nelson - Pallmeyer, a professor at the University of St. Thomas ( St. Paul, Minnesota ), joined the race in October 2007. Attorney Mike Ciresi, an unsuccessful candidate in the 2000 Democratic U.S. Senate primary, was considered a serious candidate, but withdrew from the race on March 10, 2008, clearing the path for Franken to secure the party 's nomination. Barkley ran under the banner of the Independence Party, the largest third party in Minnesota. He was included in most of the debates and ultimately received 15 % of the vote in the general election, a strong showing for an independent candidate. It is not clear whether Barkley detracted more votes from Coleman or Franken. Polls over the course of the campaign indicated that the race was very competitive, with many polls showing Franken and Coleman virtually tied or within the margin of error, as well as several polls showing each candidate with a significant lead at one point or another. The presence of a serious third party candidate further complicated matters. On November 4, 2008, Coleman received 1,211,590 votes to Franken 's 1,211,375 votes, a margin of 215 votes, far less than 0.1 %, thereby triggering an automatic recount. Barkley received 437,404 votes, about 15 % of total votes cast. On January 3, 2009, with the recount apparently completed, Franken had an unofficial lead of 225 votes, but former Senator Coleman 's attorneys contested the official results in the courts. In the meantime, Minnesota was represented by only one senator, Amy Klobuchar. On April 13, 2009, a three - judge panel ruled that Al Franken received the most votes in Minnesota 's 2008 Senate race and ruled against Coleman 's claims on all counts. Coleman appealed this decision. On June 30, 2009, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Al Franken received the most votes, and Norm Coleman conceded defeat after the ruling, allowing Al Franken to be Senator - elect of Minnesota. Franken was sworn in as Minnesota 's junior Senator on July 7. Mississippi United States Senate election in Mississippi, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Thad Cochran Erik Fleming Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 766,111 480,915 Percentage 61.4 % 38.6 % County results U.S. Senator before election Thad Cochran Republican Elected U.S. Senator Thad Cochran Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Mississippi, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Mississippi Incumbent Senator Thad Cochran announced that he would seek re-election for a sixth term. Cochran, who has not faced serious opposition since he was re-elected in 1984, faced Democratic state Representative Erik R. Fleming, whom he defeated with 62 % of the vote. General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Thad Cochran 766,111 61.44 % - 23.2 Democratic Erik Fleming 480,915 38.56 % n / a Majority 285,196 Turnout 1,247,026 Republican hold Swing Mississippi ( special ) United States Senate special election in Mississippi, 2008 ← 2006 November 4, 2008 2012 → Nominee Roger Wicker Ronnie Musgrove Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 683,409 560,064 Percentage 55.0 % 45.0 % County results U.S. Senator before election Roger Wicker Republican Elected U.S. Senator Roger Wicker Republican Main article : United States Senate special election in Mississippi, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Mississippi Roger Wicker, formerly the representative of Mississippi 's 1st congressional district, was appointed by Governor Haley Barbour on December 31, 2007, to fill the vacancy caused by the December 18 resignation of Trent Lott. It had been speculated that Lott wished to resign before a new lobbying reform law, effective the first day of 2008, took effect ; having resigned before the end of 2007, Lott may become a lobbyist in 2009 instead of 2010. Controversy arose when Barbour called for the special election to be held on the same day as the general election. As a result, Mississippi 's Attorney General Jim Hood challenged Barbour in court, claiming that the special election needed to be held within 100 days of Lott 's resignation, as per state law. Initially, a Mississippi Circuit Court judge sided with Hood, ruling that the election take place on or before March 19, 2008. However, Barbour filed an appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court, which overturned the earlier ruling and set the special election for November 4, 2008. Democratic former Governor Ronnie Musgrove challenged Wicker. Another Democrat, former Congressman Ronnie Shows, also filed to run, but he withdrew in February 2008 and endorsed Musgrove. Wicker beat Musgrove 55 % to 45 %. 2008 Mississippi U.S. Senator special election Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Roger Wicker 683,409 54.96 % - 8.6 Democratic Ronnie Musgrove 560,064 45.04 % + 9.9 Majority 123,345 Turnout 1,243,473 Republican hold Swing Montana United States Senate election in Montana, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Max Baucus Robert Kelleher Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 345,937 128,762 Percentage 72.9 % 27.1 % County results U.S. Senator before election Max Baucus Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Max Baucus Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Montana, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Montana Senator Max Baucus is a popular Democrat in Montana, representing a state that has long been fairly Republican but also is receptive to Democrats in state and local elections. President Bush won Montana by more than 20 points in both 2000 and 2004, but Montana also has a popular Democratic governor, Brian Schweitzer, and a newly elected Democratic junior senator, Jon Tester. Baucus was not expected to face a significant challenge from the 85 - year - old Republican nominee, Bob Kelleher, who surprised observers by winning the June 3 Republican primary despite supporting a number of positions that put him to the political left of Baucus, such as nationalization of the American oil and gas industry. Baucus easily won re-election, taking 73 % of the vote, with Kelleher taking 27 %. Democratic Party primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Max Baucus ( Incumbent ) 165,050 100.00 % Total votes 165,050 100.00 % Republican Party primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Bob Kelleher 26,936 36.32 % Republican Michael Lange 17,044 22.98 % Republican Kirk Bushman 15,507 20.91 % Republican Patty Lovaas 7,632 10.29 % Republican Anton Pearson 4,257 5.74 % Republican Shay Joshua Garnett 2,788 3.76 % Total votes 74,164 100.00 % General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Max Baucus 348,289 72.92 % + 10.18 % Republican Bob Kelleher 129,369 27.08 % - 4.65 % Majority 218,920 45.84 % + 14.84 % Turnout 477,658 Democratic hold Swing Nebraska United States Senate election in Nebraska, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Mike Johanns Scott Kleeb Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 455,854 317,456 Percentage 57.5 % 40.1 % County results U.S. Senator before election Chuck Hagel Republican Elected U.S. Senator Mike Johanns Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Nebraska, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Nebraska In Nebraska, incumbent Republican Senator Chuck Hagel chose to retire rather than run for a third term. Former Governor Mike Johanns, who recently resigned as Agriculture Secretary, was the Republican nominee, having defeated opponent Pat Flynn 87 - 13 in the primary. Scott Kleeb, 2006 candidate for Nebraska 's 3rd congressional district, defeated businessman Tony Raimondo, a former Republican, by a wide margin in the Democratic primary. Nebraska state Green Party Co-Chairman Steve Larrick was also a candidate, as was Kelly Rosberg of the Nebraska Party. Johanns won, taking 58 % of the vote, with Kleeb taking 40 % Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Mike Johanns 112,191 78.61 % Republican Pat Flynn 31,560 21.12 % Total votes 143,751 100.00 % Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Scott Kleeb 65,582 68.37 % Democratic Tony Raimondo 24,141 25.17 % Democratic James Bryan Wilson 3,224 3.36 % Democratic Larry Marvin 2,672 2.80 % Total votes 95,919 100.00 % Green Party primary results Party Candidate Votes % Green Steve Larrick 123 100.00 % Total votes 123 100.00 % Nebraska Party primary results Party Candidate Votes % Nebraska Barry Richards 209 100.00 % Total votes 209 100.00 % 2008 Nebraska U.S. Senate general election Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Mike Johanns 455,854 57.5 % - 25.2 % Democratic Scott Kleeb 317,456 40.1 % + 25.5 % Nebraska Kelly Renee Rosberg 11,438 1.4 % n / a Green Steve Larrick 7,763 1.0 % n / a Majority 138,398 Turnout 792,511 Republican hold Swing New Hampshire United States Senate election in New Hampshire, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Jeanne Shaheen John E. Sununu Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 358,438 314,403 Percentage 51.6 % 45.3 % County results U.S. Senator before election John E. Sununu Republican Elected U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in New Hampshire, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from New Hampshire Senator John Sununu represented the swing state of New Hampshire. The state traditionally leaned Republican, but John Kerry from neighboring Massachusetts narrowly won the state in the 2004 Presidential election. New Hampshire also saw major Democratic gains in the 2006 elections, when Democrats took both of the previously Republican - held House seats, the gubernatorial race with a record vote share of 74 %, and majorities in the State House and Senate, giving them concurrent control of both bodies for the first time since 1874. However, New Hampshire had not elected a Democratic United States Senator since 1975. Sununu 's 2002 opponent, former Governor Jeanne Shaheen, decided to run and was generally considered to be a very formidable challenger. Three consecutive monthly Rasmussen Reports poll showed Shaheen defeating Sununu by 49 % to 41 %. Prior to Shaheen 's entry, Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand, Katrina Swett, wife of former Democratic congressman Richard Swett, and former astronaut Jay Buckey had announced that they were running for the Democratic nomination. After Shaheen 's entry, however, all three withdrew and endorsed the former governor. On election day, Shaheen defeated Sununu, 52 % to 45 %. Shaheen, the Democratic choice, at a rally in the lead - up to the election. 2008 New Hampshire U.S. Senator Democratic primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Jeanne Shaheen 43,968 88.5 % Democratic Raymond Stebbins 5,281 10.6 % write - ins 407 0.8 % Turnout 49,656 2008 New Hampshire U.S. Senator Republican primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican John Sununu 60,852 88.7 % Republican Tom Alciere 7,084 10.3 % write - ins 685 1.0 % Turnout 68,621 Results by municipality. 2008 New Hampshire U.S. Senator general election Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Jeanne Shaheen 358,438 51.6 % + 5.2 % Republican John Sununu ( Incumbent ) 314,403 45.3 % - 5.5 % Libertarian Ken Blevens 21,516 3.1 % + 0.9 % Majority 44,035 Turnout 694,357 Democratic gain from Republican Swing New Jersey United States Senate election in New Jersey, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2013 → Nominee Frank Lautenberg Dick Zimmer Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 1,951,218 1,461,025 Percentage 56.0 % 42.0 % County results U.S. Senator before election Frank Lautenberg Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in New Jersey, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg sought re-election in 2008, though he was 84. In the Primary, Lautenberg soundly defeated Representative Rob Andrews ( NJ - 1 ) by a margin of 62 % to 32 %. In November 2006, the senator had the lowest approval rating of any Democrat running for re-election in 2008 ( with 39 % approving and 45 % disapproving ), with his approval standing only at 42 % as of September 2007 with voters saying he does not deserve re-election 46 % - 36 %. The Republican nominee was former Congressman and 1996 senatorial candidate Dick Zimmer. Sara Lobman of the Socialist Workers Party and Independent Anthony Fisher were also declared candidates. Furthermore, in the wake of the financial crisis, Carl Peter Klapper entered the race as a write - in candidate. Lautenberg won re-election, winning 56 % - 42 %. 2008 New Jersey U.S. Senate Democratic primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Frank Lautenberg 203,012 58.9 % Democratic Rob Andrews 121,777 35.3 % Democratic Donald Cresitello 19,743 5.7 % Turnout 344,532 2008 New Jersey U.S. Senate Republican primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Dick Zimmer 84,663 45.8 % Republican Joseph Pennacchio 74,546 40.3 % Republican Murray Sabrin 25,576 13.8 % Turnout 184,785 2008 New Jersey U.S. Senate general election Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Frank Lautenberg 1,951,218 56.0 % + 2.1 % Republican Dick Zimmer 1,461,025 42.0 % - 2.0 % Independent Daryl Mikell Brooks 20,920 1.0 % n / a Libertarian Jason Scheurer 18,810 0.5 % n / a Independent J.M. Carter 15,935 0.5 % n / a Independent Jeff Boss 10,345 0.3 % n / a Socialist Workers Sara Lobman 9,187 0.3 % n / a Majority 490,193 Turnout 3,482,445 Democratic hold Swing New Mexico United States Senate election in New Mexico, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Tom Udall Steve Pearce Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 505,128 318,522 Percentage 61.3 % 38.7 % County results U.S. Senator before election Pete Domenici Republican Elected U.S. Senator Tom Udall Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in New Mexico, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from New Mexico While Senator Pete Domenici had declared that he would seek re-election in New Mexico, he changed his mind and announced on October 4, 2007 that he was retiring at the end of his current term due to a degenerative brain disorder. Domenici normally would have been expected to win re-election easily, having won his current term with the support of two out of three New Mexico voters ; however, he is to be investigated by the Senate Ethics Committee for his role in firing U.S. Attorney David Iglesias. Domenici 's role in the developing scandal had reduced the probability he would have been re-elected, and a SurveyUSA poll showed his approval ratings at 41 %, with 54 % disapproving. The potential scandal may have also contributed to his decision to leave the Senate. Tom Udall, the popular Representative from New Mexico 's 3rd District, was the Democratic nominee. The Republican nominee was Rep. Steve Pearce, who represented the more conservative southern part of the state. When asked whether the Republicans were abandoning their hopes of holding onto Domenici 's seat, Senator John Ensign, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, responded that `` You do n't waste money on races that do n't need it or you ca n't win. '' Udall won the election with 61 % of the vote, with Pearce taking 39 %. Democratic Party primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Tom Udall 141,629 100.00 % Total votes 141,629 100.00 % Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Steve Pearce 57,953 51.29 % Republican Heather Wilson 55,039 48.71 % Total votes 112,992 100.00 % General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Tom Udall 505,128 61.33 % + 26.37 % Republican Steve Pearce 318,522 38.67 % - 26.37 % Majority 186,606 22.66 % - 7.43 % Turnout 823,650 Democratic gain from Republican Swing North Carolina United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Kay Hagan Elizabeth Dole Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 2,249,311 1,887,510 Percentage 52.7 % 44.2 % County results U.S. Senator before election Elizabeth Dole Republican Elected U.S. Senator Kay Hagan Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from North Carolina In North Carolina, there had been rumors that Senator Elizabeth Dole would retire from the Senate and run for governor, but she said in 2006 that she intended to run for re-election. There was early speculation that North Carolina Governor Mike Easley might be pressured into running against her but this did not come to pass. The Democratic nominee was state Senator Kay Hagan, who defeated Jim Neal and Dustin Lassiter in the Democratic primary. A Rasmussen poll released May 11, 2008 showed Hagan leading Dole by a statistically insignificant margin, 48 % - 47 %, suggesting a competitive race. Hagan 's poll numbers continued to best Dole 's, however, and Hagan defeated Dole by a wider than expected margin of 53 % to 44 %. 2008 North Carolina U.S. Senator Democratic primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Kay Hagan 801,920 60.1 % Democratic Jim Neal 239,623 18.0 % Democratic Marcus W. Williams 170,970 12.8 % Democratic Duskin Lassiter 62,136 4.6 % Democratic Howard Staley 60,403 4.5 % Turnout 1,335,052 2008 North Carolina U.S. Senator Republican primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Elizabeth Dole ( Incumbent ) 460,665 90.0 % Republican Pete DiLauro 51,406 10.0 % Turnout 512,071 2008 North Carolina U.S. Senator general election Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Kay Hagan 2,249,311 52.65 % + 7.7 % Republican Elizabeth Dole ( Incumbent ) 1,887,510 44.18 % - 9.4 % Libertarian Chris Cole 133,430 3.17 % + 2.1 % Other Write - Ins 1,719 0.0 % 0.0 % Majority 361,801 Turnout 4,271,970 Democratic gain from Republican Swing Oklahoma United States Senate election in Oklahoma, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Jim Inhofe Andrew Rice Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 763,375 527,736 Percentage 56.7 % 39.2 % County results U.S. Senator before election Jim Inhofe Republican Elected U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Oklahoma, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Oklahoma In Oklahoma, Senator Jim Inhofe announced that he would seek a third full term. A September 2007 poll put Inhofe 's approval rating at 47 %, with 41 % disapproving of his performance. Inhofe 's opponent was State Senator Andrew Rice. Inhofe was re-elected, 57 % to 39 %. Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Andrew Rice 113,795 59.65 % Democratic Jim Rogers 76,981 40.35 % Total votes 190,776 100.00 % Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Jim Inhofe ( Incumbent ) 116,371 84.18 % Republican Evelyn R. Rogers 10,770 7.79 % Republican Ted Ryals 7,306 5.28 % Republican Dennis Lopez 3,800 2.75 % Total votes 138,247 100.00 % United States Senate election in Oklahoma, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Jim Inhofe ( Incumbent ) 763,375 56.68 % - 0.62 % Democratic Andrew Rice 527,736 39.18 % + 2.87 % Independent Stephen Wallace 55,708 4.14 % Majority 235,639 17.50 % - 3.50 % Turnout 1,346,819 Republican hold Swing Oregon United States Senate election in Oregon, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Jeff Merkley Gordon Smith Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 864,392 805,159 Percentage 48.9 % 45.6 % Nominee David Brownlow Party Constitution Popular vote 92,565 Percentage 5.2 % County results U.S. Senator before election Gordon H. Smith Republican Elected U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Oregon, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Oregon Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon ran for a third term. He defeated ophthalmologist Gordon Leitch in the May 20 Republican primary. Smith faced Democratic Oregon House of Representatives Speaker Jeff Merkley in the November general election. Merkley beat longtime Democratic activist Steve Novick and three other candidates in a hotly contested primary. In a July 16, 2008 poll, Merkley overtook Smith for the first time 43 % to 41 %. On November 6, 2008, Jeff Merkley was projected the winner of the contest, with 48.9 % to Smith 's 45.6 %. Gordon Smith formally conceded soon afterward. Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Jeff Merkley 246,482 44.82 % Democratic Steve Novick 230,889 41.98 % Democratic Candy Neville 38,367 6.98 % Democratic Roger S. Obrist 12,647 2.30 % Democratic Pavel Goberman 12,056 2.19 % Democratic David Loera 6,127 1.11 % Democratic Write - ins 3,398 0.62 % Total votes 549,966 100.00 % Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Gordon Smith ( Incumbent ) 296,330 85.41 % Republican Gordon Leitch 48,560 14.00 % Republican Write - ins 2,068 0.69 % Total votes 309,943 100.00 % United States Senate election in Oregon, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Jeff Merkley 864,392 48.90 % + 9.30 % Republican Gordon H. Smith ( Incumbent ) 805,159 45.55 % - 10.66 % Constitution David Brownlow 92,565 5.24 % + 3.52 Write - ins 5,388 0.30 % Majority 59,233 3.35 % - 13.25 % Turnout 1,767,504 Democratic gain from Republican Swing Rhode Island United States Senate election in Rhode Island, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Jack Reed Robert Tingle Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 320,644 116,174 Percentage 73.4 % 26.6 % U.S. Senator before election Jack Reed Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Jack Reed Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Rhode Island, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Rhode Island In Rhode Island, Democratic Senator Jack Reed had an approval rating of 66 % in November 2006. National Journal has declared that `` Reed is probably the safest incumbent of the 2008 cycle ''. Reed 's opponent was Robert Tingle, a pit manager at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, whom Reed defeated in his re-election campaign in 2002. Reed won the election as expected, with 73 % of the vote. 2008 Rhode Island U.S. Senator Democratic primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Jack Reed 48,038 86.8 % Democratic Christopher Young 7,277 13.2 % Turnout 55,315 2008 Rhode Island U.S. Senator general election Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Jack Reed 320,644 73.4 % - 5.0 % Republican Bob Tingle 116,174 26.6 % + 5.0 % Majority 204,470 Turnout 436,818 Democratic hold Swing South Carolina Main article : United States Senate election in South Carolina, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from South Carolina United States Senate election in South Carolina, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Lindsey Graham Bob Conley Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 1,076,150 790,216 Percentage 57.5 % 42.3 % County results U.S. Senator before election Lindsey Graham Republican Elected U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, as a popular Republican incumbent in strongly conservative South Carolina, has been considered unlikely to be vulnerable to a Democratic challenge. Graham 's support for a compromise immigration bill, however, drew an angry response from many South Carolina conservatives, who recruited Buddy Witherspoon, a former South Carolina Republican Party leader, to challenge Graham for the nomination. Graham easily bested Witherspoon in the June 10 primary. First - time candidate Bob Conley, an airline pilot, was the Democratic nominee. Conley, whose victory in the Democratic primary over Michael Cone was a surprise, is a former Republican who supported Ron Paul this year and has campaigned as the more conservative candidate on some issues, notably illegal immigration and the bailout of Wall Street. The South Carolina Working Families Party had also nominated Michael Cone. South Carolina 's election law allows for electoral fusion. This was the first time the party had nominated a candidate for statewide office. However, Cone was not listed on the ballot because as a loser of the Democratic primary, Cone was disqualified under the state 's sore loser law. Graham easily won re-election with 58 % of the vote to Conley 's 42 %. 2008 South Carolina U.S. Senate Democratic primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Bob Conley 74,125 50.3 % Democratic Michael Cone 73,127 49.7 % Turnout 147,252 2008 South Carolina U.S. Senate Republican primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Lindsey Graham 187,736 66.8 % Republican Buddy Witherspoon 93,125 33.2 % Turnout 280,861 General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Lindsey Graham 1,076,534 57.52 % + 3.1 % Democratic Bob Conley 790,621 42.25 % - 1.9 % Write - ins 4,276 0.23 % + 0.1 % Majority 285,913 Turnout 1,871,431 Republican hold Swing South Dakota United States Senate election in South Dakota, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Tim Johnson Joel Dykstra Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 237,835 142,766 Percentage 62.5 % 37.5 % County results U.S. Senator before election Tim Johnson Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Tim Johnson Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in South Dakota, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from South Dakota In South Dakota, Senator Tim Johnson 's seat was considered a top GOP target in 2008, considering Johnson 's narrow 524 - vote victory in 2002 over then - Representative and current U.S. Senator John Thune, as well as his recent health problems. Johnson underwent surgery in December 2006 for a cerebral arteriovenous malformation and was discharged from the hospital on April 30, 2007. On October 19, 2007, Johnson formally announced that he is seeking re-election. According to a November 2006 SurveyUSA poll, Johnson has an approval rating of 70 %, with just 26 % disapproving of his performance, making him an early favorite despite the state 's Republican leaning. Republicans were unsuccessful in persuading Governor Mike Rounds and former Lieutenant Governor Steve Kirby to run. State Representative Joel Dykstra announced his candidacy on July 5, 2007. Other Republicans included Charles Lyonel Gonyo and Sam Kephart. Dykstra won the Republican primary on June 3. Johnson was re-elected, with 62 % to Dykstra 's 38 %. Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Joel Dykstra 34,598 65.74 % Republican Sam Kephart 13,047 24.79 % Republican Charles Gonyo 4,983 9.47 % Total votes 52,628 100.00 % General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Tim Johnson ( Incumbent ) 237,889 62.49 % + 12.87 % Republican Joel Dykstra 142,784 37.51 % - 11.96 % Majority 95,105 24.98 % + 24.83 % Turnout 380,673 Democratic hold Swing Tennessee United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Lamar Alexander Bob Tuke Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 1,571,637 762,779 Percentage 65.14 % 32.64 % County results U.S. Senator before election Lamar Alexander Republican Elected U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Tennessee Former Governor and U.S. Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander was elected in 2002 to succeed retiring Senator Fred Thompson. He has announced he will seek a second term in 2008. He was unopposed in the Republican primary. Former Chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party Bob Tuke was the Democratic nominee, defeating Businessman Gary Davis 30 % to 23 %. Knox County Clerk Mike Padgett received 20 % of the vote. 2006 Green Party Senate nominee Chris Lugo originally announced as a Democrat but dropped out of the Democratic race before the filing deadline. He filed as an independent and was subsequently named as the Green Party nominee Edward Buck was also in the race. Daniel Lewis is running as a Libertarian candidate for the United States Senate. He was certified March 3, 2008 by the Tennessee Division of Elections as having achieved ballot access for the November 4, 2008 election as a candidate for United States Senate. The Libertarian Party of Tennessee officially selected Daniel Lewis as their candidate for United States Senate on Saturday March 8, 2008 the at their annual convention held in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Lewis is currently serving as the chairman of the Libertarian Party of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. He ran for the Tennessee House in 2004. Also reported to be in the race are David `` None of the Above '' Gatchell a ballot activist & frequent candidate and Emory `` Bo '' Heyward, a software company employee, conservative activist & 2006 candidate. Alexander won the election with 65 % of the vote. Democratic Party primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Bob Tuke 59,050 32.21 % Democratic Gary G. Davis 39,119 21.34 % Democratic Mike Padgett 33,471 18.26 % Democratic Mark E. Clayton 32,309 17.62 % Democratic Kenneth Eaton 14,702 8.02 % Democratic Leonard D. Ladner 4,697 2.55 % Total votes 183,348 100.00 % Republican Party primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Lamar Alexander ( Incumbent ) 244,222 100.00 % Total votes 244,222 100.00 % United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Lamar Alexander ( Incumbent ) 1,579,477 65.14 % + 10.87 % Democratic Bob Tuke 767,236 31.64 % - 12.69 % Independent Edward L. Buck 31,631 1.30 % Independent Christopher G. Fenner 11,073 0.46 % Independent Daniel Towers Lewis 9,367 0.39 % Independent Chris Lugo 9,170 0.38 % Independent Ed Lawhorn 8,986 0.37 % Independent David Gatchell 7,645 0.32 % Majority 812,241 33.50 % + 23.56 % Turnout 2,424,585 Republican hold Swing Texas United States Senate election in Texas, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee John Cornyn Rick Noriega Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 4,337,469 3,389,365 Percentage 54.8 % 42.8 % County results U.S. Senator before election John Cornyn Republican Elected U.S. Senator John Cornyn Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Texas, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Texas Texas has not elected a Democrat in a statewide election since 1994, but according to pre-election Rasmussen polling, Senator John Cornyn had an approval rating of 50 %. Texas House of Representatives member and Afghanistan War veteran Rick Noriega secured his place as Cornyn 's Democratic challenger in the March 4 primary, beating out opponents Gene Kelly, Ray McMurrey, and Rhett Smith. The same Rasmussen poll showed Cornyn leading Noriega by a narrow four percentage points - 47 % to 43 %. Christian activist Larry Kilgore of Mansfield, Texas, was a Republican challenger for the March 2008 primary election, but Cornyn easily won the Republican primary. There were three Libertarians, including 2006 LP senate nominee Scott Jameson, running for their party 's nomination. In addition, the Green Party of Texas sought ballot access for its candidate David B. Collins. In the end, John Cornyn won re-election, 55 % - 43 % Democratic primary Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Rick Noriega 1,110,579 51.01 % Democratic Gene Kelly 584,966 26.87 % Democratic Ray McMurrey 269,402 12.37 % Democratic Rhett Smith 213,305 9.75 % Republican Primary Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican John Cornyn 997,216 81.48 % + 4.17 % Republican Larry Kilgore 226,649 18.52 % + 0.00 % 2008 Texas U.S. Senate general election Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican John Cornyn 4,337,469 54.82 % - 0.48 % Democratic Rick Noriega 3,389,365 42.83 % - 0.50 % Libertarian Yvonne Adams Schick 185,241 2.34 % + 1.55 % Majority 948,104 Turnout 7,912,075 58.28 % Republican hold Swing Virginia United States Senate election in Virginia, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Turnout 67.0 % ( voting eligible ) Nominee Mark Warner Jim Gilmore Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 2,369,327 1,228,830 Percentage 65.0 % 33.7 % U.S. Senate election results map. Blue denotes counties / districts won by Warner. Red denotes those won by Gilmore. U.S. Senator before election John Warner Republican Elected U.S. Senator Mark Warner Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in Virginia, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Virginia John Warner announced on August 31, 2007 that he would not seek re-election for another term. Former Governor Jim Gilmore, who dropped out of the 2008 presidential election, was the Republican nominee for the seat. Popular Democratic former Governor Mark Warner ( no relation ) was the Democratic nominee for the race. Polling showed him as a strong favorite to win the seat. When asked whether the Republicans were abandoning their hopes of holding onto Warner 's seat, Senator John Ensign, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, responded that `` You do n't waste money on races that do n't need it or you ca n't win. '' In one of the first senate races called on election day, Warner won, taking 65 % of the vote, with Gilmore winning 34 %. Since Democrat Jim Webb had defeated incumbent Republican George Allen for Virginia 's other Senate seat in 2006, Virginia 's senate delegation flipped from entirely Republican to entirely Democratic in just two years. Former Gov. Mark Warner ( D ) campaigns at the Dixie Theatre in Staunton, Virginia Republican Senator John Warner chose to retire after five terms. Former Gov. Jim Gilmore ( R ) United States Senate election in Virginia, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Mark Warner 2,369,327 65.03 % + 65.03 % Republican Jim Gilmore 1,228,830 33.72 % - 48.85 % Independent Greens Glenda Parker 21,690 0.60 % + 0.60 % Libertarian Bill Redpath 20,269 0.56 % + 0.56 % Write - ins 3,178 0.09 % - 0.47 % Majority 1,140,497 31.30 % - 41.53 % Turnout 3,643,294 Democratic gain from Republican Swing West Virginia United States Senate election in West Virginia, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Jay Rockefeller Jay Wolfe Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 444,107 252,764 Percentage 63.7 % 36.3 % County results U.S. Senator before election Jay Rockefeller Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller Democratic Main article : United States Senate election in West Virginia, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller, great - grandson of oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, sought a fifth term representing West Virginia. Even though West Virginia is a historically Democratic state, in which the party had a 50 - 32 % edge in party affiliation over the Republicans in the 2004 elections, the state party is more conservative than the national party, giving its votes to President George W. Bush in that election and in 2000. Democrats Sheirl Fletcher and Billy Hendricks challenged Rockefeller in the primary but were defeated. The Republican nominee was Jay Wolfe of Salem, a former State Senator. As expected, Rockefeller handily won on election day, being re-elected with 64 % of the vote. Wolfe had 36 %. 2008 West Virginia U.S. Senator Democratic primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Jay Rockefeller 271,370 77.1 % Democratic Sheirl Fletcher 51,073 14.5 % Democratic Billy Hendricks 29,707 8.4 % Turnout 352,150 2008 West Virginia U.S. Senator Republican primary election Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Jay Wolfe N / A 100.00 % Turnout 100.00 % General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Democratic Jay Rockefeller 447,560 63.7 % + 0.6 % Republican Jay Wolfe 254,629 36.3 % - 0.6 % Majority 192,931 Turnout 702,189 Democratic hold Swing Wyoming United States Senate election in Wyoming, 2008 ← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 → Nominee Mike Enzi Chris Rothfuss Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 189,046 60,631 Percentage 75.6 % 24.3 % County results U.S. Senator before election Mike Enzi Republican Elected U.S. Senator Mike Enzi Republican Main article : United States Senate election in Wyoming, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Wyoming and United States Senate special election in Wyoming, 2008 Senator Mike Enzi was considered likely to be re-elected without significant opposition for a third term in strongly Republican Wyoming. His Democratic opponent was Chris Rothfuss, a professor at the University of Wyoming and a chemical engineer, nanotechnologist, and diplomat. Pre-election polling indicated that Enzi led Rothfuss by 24 %. As expected, Enzi won another term, 76 % - 24 %. Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Chris Rothfuss 14,221 62.38 % Democratic Al Hamburg 8,578 37.62 % Total votes 22,799 100.00 % Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican Mike Enzi ( Incumbent ) 69,195 100.00 % Total votes 69,195 100.00 % General election results Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican Mike Enzi 189,046 75.63 % + 2.68 % Democratic Chris Rothfuss 60,631 24.26 % - 2.79 % Write - ins 269 0.11 % Majority 128,415 51.38 % + 5.47 % Turnout 249,946 Republican hold Swing Wyoming ( special ) United States Senate special election in Wyoming, 2008 ← 2006 November 4, 2008 2012 → Nominee John Barrasso Nick Carter Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 183,063 66,202 Percentage 73.4 % 26.5 % County results U.S. Senator before election John Barrasso Republican Elected U.S. Senator John Barrasso Republican Main article : United States Senate special election in Wyoming, 2008 See also : List of United States Senators from Wyoming and United States Senate election in Wyoming, 2008 John Barrasso was appointed by Governor Dave Freudenthal ( D ) on June 22, 2007 to fill the senate seat of Republican Craig L. Thomas, who died on June 4. Wyoming law requires that the interim senator be affiliated with the same political party as the departed senator. Barrasso ran in the November 4, 2008 special election, held on the day of the 2008 presidential election, to serve out the remainder of Thomas 's term, which expires in January 2013. On the Democratic side, Casper City Councilman Keith Goodenough announced his candidacy. In the primary on August 19, Goodenough was defeated by a political newcomer, Gillette defense attorney Nick Carter, who became Barrasso 's opponent in the general election. As expected, Barrasso won on Election Day, taking 73 % of the vote and winning every county in the state. Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Nick Carter 12,316 50.68 Democratic Keith Goodenough 11,984 49.32 Total votes 22,799 100.00 Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes % Republican John Barrasso ( Incumbent ) 68,194 100.00 Total votes 68,194 100.00 United States Senate special election in Wyoming, 2008 Party Candidate Votes % ± Republican John Barrasso 183,063 73.35 % + 3.37 % Democratic Nick Carter 66,202 26.53 % - 3.33 % None Write - ins 293 0.12 % Majority 116,861 46.83 % + 6.70 % Turnout 249,558 Republican hold Swing See also United States elections, 2008 United States gubernatorial elections, 2008 United States presidential election, 2008 United States House of Representatives elections, 2008 110th United States Congress 111th United States Congress List of Senate Newspaper Endorsements References Jump up ^ Sherman, Emily ( October 8, 2008 ). `` ' Perfect storm ' could give Dems ' magic 60 ' in Senate ''. CNN. Retrieved November 19, 2008. Jump up ^ Newton - Small, Jay ( October 15, 2007 ). `` The Republicans ' Big Senate Fear ''. TIME. Jump up ^ Hook, Janet ( July 6, 2008 ). `` Senate outlook bad for GOP ''. Los Angeles Times. ^ Jump up to : Jansen, Bart ( August 22, 2008 ). `` Ensign Fumes Over Failed GOP Fundraising Effort ''. Congressional Quarterly. Archived from the original on August 24, 2008. Retrieved August 22, 2008. Jump up ^ swansonforsenate.com Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ Birmingham News staff ( June 12, 2007 ). `` Sparks says he wo n't seek U.S. Senate seat ''. Everything Alabama. Alabama Live. Retrieved June 13, 2007. Jump up ^ senate.dwp2016.org Archived July 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ `` al.com ''. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ ALStatesmen.org Archived July 4, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ bostontea.us Archived July 18, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ Christians for Life and Liberty Archived July 6, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ `` HugeDomains.com - PaulCongress.com is for sale ( Paul Congress ) ''. www.paulcongress.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Certified Primary Election Results : Republican Party '' ( PDF ). Alabama Republican Party. June 13, 2008. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on November 19, 2008. Retrieved December 3, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Certified Primary Election Results : Democratic Party '' ( PDF ). Alabama Democratic Party. June 17, 2008. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on November 19, 2008. Retrieved December 3, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Certified General Election Results without write - in appendix '' ( PDF ). Secretary of State of Alabama. November 25, 2008. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on November 27, 2008. Retrieved December 3, 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` Official Primary Election Results '' ( PDF ). State of Alaska : Division of Elections. September 18, 2008. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on November 27, 2008. Retrieved December 3, 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` C : DBASE GOOD_S ~ 2. TXT '' ( PDF ). Retrieved 2017 - 12 - 20. Jump up ^ `` Stevens files for re-election ''. TheHill.com. Jump up ^ Mauer, Richard ( May 29, 2007 ). `` Feds eye Stevens 's home remodeling project ''. Alaska Daily News. McClatchy Company. Archived from the original on June 1, 2007. Retrieved May 29, 2007. Jump up ^ McGann, Laura ( May 29, 2007 ). `` Extreme Makeover : Veco Edition ''. TPMmuckraker. TPM Media. Archived from the original on May 31, 2007. Retrieved May 29, 2007. Jump up ^ Joling, Dan ( September 14, 2007 ). `` Oil exec : Workers remodeled Stevens home ''. Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 22, 2007. Retrieved September 14, 2007. Jump up ^ Raju, Manu ( July 29, 2008 ). `` Stevens Indicted ''. The Hill. Capitol Hill Publishing Corp. Retrieved July 29, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Jury finds Stevens guilty on corruption charges ''. CNN. October 26, 2008. Retrieved October 26, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Begich to officially enter race vs. Stevens ''. The Hill. Jump up ^ Apuzzo, Matt ( October 19, 2007 ). `` Senators back Stevens despite FBI probe ''. Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 25, 2007. Retrieved October 19, 2007. Jump up ^ `` U.S. Senate Statewide Results ''. Secretary of State of Arkansas. December 2, 2008. Retrieved December 9, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Arkansas Sen. Pryor Now Safe, as GOP Fails to Field Challenger ''. CQ Politics. Archived from the original on March 11, 2008. ^ Jump up to : http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/ElectionArchives/2008/2008_Abstract.pdf Jump up ^ `` 2008 Election Statistics ''. clerk.house.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Allard wo n't run again in 2008 ''. Cañon City Daily Record. Associated Press. January 16, 2007. Archived from the original on February 22, 2007. Retrieved February 5, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Elway nixes ' 08 Senate run ''. Rocky Mountain News. January 17, 2007. Archived from the original on February 11, 2007. Retrieved February 5, 2007. Jump up ^ Sealover, Ed ( November 8, 2006 ). `` Shift puts key state issues in question ''. Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved November 11, 2006. Jump up ^ `` kinseyforsenate.org is for sale ! ''. www.kinseyforsenate.org. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ American Constitution Party Colorado Candidates Archived October 14, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ エックス サーバー サーバー 初期 ページ Archived January 30, 2009, at the Wayback Machine... Buddymooreforsenate.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013. Jump up ^ `` 2008 Election Statistics ''. clerk.house.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ Obama chooses Biden as running mate Adam Nagourney and Jeff Zeleny August 23, 2008. The New York Times Jump up ^ `` Georgia Election Results : United States Senator ''. Georgia Secretary of State. November 10, 2008. Retrieved November 11, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Georgia 2008 General Election ''. The Green Papers. Retrieved November 11, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Georgia Election Results ''. State of Georgia Secretary of State. December 2, 2008. Retrieved December 3, 2008. Jump up ^ strategicvision.biz Archived December 16, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ `` 11 / 4 / 2008 - Federal and Statewide ''. sos.georgia.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Local and National Election Results - Election Center 2008 - Elections & Politics from CNN.com ''. CNN. Retrieved May 27, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Local and National Election Results - Election Center 2008 - Elections & Politics from CNN.com ''. CNN. Retrieved May 27, 2010. ^ Jump up to : `` Archived copy ''. Archived from the original on April 16, 2009. Retrieved March 7, 2009. CS1 maint : Archived copy as title ( link ) Jump up ^ `` 2008 Election Statistics ''. clerk.house.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Amid sex scandal, Sen. Craig resigns ''. CNN.com. Archived from the original on December 11, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Craig announces he will not resign ''. Jump up ^ `` As Craig 's Problems Continue, Focus Turns to Possible 2008 Idaho Senate Race Without Him ''. Archived from the original on February 20, 2015. Jump up ^ `` 婚 活 パーティー Q&A サイト ''. www.marmonforidaho.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ 2008 results Archived February 20, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. ^ Jump up to : `` Ballots Cast ''. Elections.il.gov. February 5, 2008. Retrieved April 4, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 4, 2008 '' ( PDF ). Clerk.house.gov. Retrieved April 4, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Sauerberg to take on Durbin ''. Jump up ^ `` Illinois Green Party chooses retired teacher as senate candidate ''. Morris Daily Herald. ^ Jump up to : `` Primary results '' ( PDF ). sos.iowa.gov. 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` Results '' ( PDF ). www.kssos.org. 2008. Jump up ^ `` 2008 Election Statistics ''. clerk.house.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` SurveyUSA News Poll # 12482 ''. Retrieved December 20, 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` Archived copy ''. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2017. CS1 maint : Archived copy as title ( link ) Jump up ^ `` Archived copy ''. Archived from the original on December 25, 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2017. CS1 maint : Archived copy as title ( link ) Jump up ^ `` Results of SurveyUSA News Poll # 12351 ''. SurveyUSA. July 25, 2006. Retrieved August 2, 2007. Jump up ^ Naylor, Brian ( October 23, 2008 ). `` Sen. McConnell In A Tough Race In Kentucky ''. National Public Radio. Retrieved November 19, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Treasurer bolts to GOP - Breaking News Updates New Orleans ''. New Orleans Times - Picayune ( NOLA.com ). Jump up ^ `` Kennedy seeking Senate seat ''. 2theadvocate.com. Jump up ^ Duran, Nicole ( December 12, 2006 ). `` Allen Ponders 2008 Senate Race ''. Roll Call. Retrieved February 15, 2007. Jump up ^ Klein, Rick ( January 24, 2007 ). `` Kerry wo n't run for president in ' 08 ''. The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 5, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Ogonowski set to battle Kerry for Senate seat ''. BostonHerald.com. Jump up ^ Staff ( November 5, 2008 ). `` Election 2008 : U.S. Senate, Michigan ''. The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 12, 2008. Jump up ^ Official Ballot ; General Election ; Tuesday, November 4, 2008 ; Ottawa County, Michigan ; Holland Chater Township, Absent Voter Counting Board, Precinct 13B ^ Jump up to : `` Primary Election Results ''. Minnesota Secretary of State Website. Archived from the original on November 14, 2008. Jump up ^ Candidate Filings, Federal Election Commission, year - end 2007 Jump up ^ `` State of Minnesota Canvassing Report '' ( PDF ). Minnesota Secretary of State. November 18, 2008. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on November 19, 2008. Retrieved January 7, 2009. Jump up ^ `` Canvassing Report of Votes Cast at the State General Election, November 4, 2008 '' ( PDF ). Minnesota Secretary of State. November 18, 2008. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on November 19, 2008. Retrieved January 6, 2009. Jump up ^ `` Canvassing Board Meeting -- Nov. 18, 2008 : Official minutes '' ( PDF ). Minnesota Secretary of State. November 18, 2008. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on February 3, 2009. Retrieved January 6, 2009. ^ Jump up to : `` Election Reporting ''. Minnesota Secretary of State. Archived from the original on November 20, 2008. Retrieved January 7, 2009. ^ Jump up to : `` Signing Off On A 225 Vote Franken Lead ( webcast of Canvassing Board Meeting ) ''. The Uptake. January 5, 2009. Retrieved January 5, 2009. ^ Jump up to : `` Final Recount Summary by County '' ( PDF ). Minnesota Secretary of State. January 5, 2009. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on January 21, 2009. Retrieved January 7, 2009. Jump up ^ Judges Elizabeth Hayden ; Kurt Marben & Denise Reilley. `` Finding of Facts, Conclusion of Law, and Order for Judgment '' ( PDF ). Minnesota Judicial Branch. Jump up ^ `` SurveyUSA News Poll # 13108 ''. www.surveyusa.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ Smith, Dane ( February 14, 2007 ). `` Franken jumps into Senate race ''. Minneapolis Star Tribune. Archived from the original on February 16, 2007. Retrieved February 15, 2007. Jump up ^ startribune.com Archived January 12, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ kstp.com Archived August 2, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ Jesse the Diva Gives Way To Bravado Lite Barkely, minnpost.com Jump up ^ `` Local and National Election Results - Election Center 2008 - Elections & Politics from CNN.com ''. CNN. Retrieved May 27, 2010. Jump up ^ Senate race certification set for Monday with Franken up 225 votes. Star Tribune. Retrieved on August 16, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Sheehan and Coleman v. Franken Findings, Judgment, and Memoranda '' ( PDF ). Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Coleman : ' I think the law is on our side ' ''. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Senator Thad Cochran Announces Intent To Seek Re-Election ''. Nation Republican Senatorial Committee ( nrsc.org ). Archived from the original on November 23, 2007. Jump up ^ `` US Senate Election Official Certification '' ( PDF ). Mississippi Secretary of State. Retrieved January 10, 2009. Jump up ^ `` Miss. Congressman Replacing Sen. Lott ''. ABC News. ^ Jump up to : `` Lott Officially Resigns, All Eyes Now on Barbour ''. CQ Politics. Archived from the original on July 21, 2009. Jump up ^ `` Hood Files Suit to Have Special Election Earlier ''. WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS :. Jump up ^ `` Miss. judge cancels special election to replace Lott ''. USATODAY.com. Archived from the original on February 20, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Barbour 's Attorney Appeals Special - Elex Ruling ''. WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS :. Jump up ^ `` Mississippi Supreme Court sets election for November ''. Jump up ^ `` Former Rep. Shows running for Lott 's seat ''. clarionledger.com. Jump up ^ `` Shows drops out of race to replace Lott ''. Jump up ^ `` US Senate Special Election Official Certification '' ( PDF ). Mississippi Secretary of State. Retrieved January 10, 2009. Jump up ^ `` 16th time a charm for veteran candidate ''. ^ Jump up to : `` Archived copy '' ( PDF ). Archived from the original ( PDF ) on January 11, 2011. Retrieved April 22, 2011. CS1 maint : Archived copy as title ( link ) Jump up ^ `` 2008 Election Statistics ''. clerk.house.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Green Party 's Larrick to enter Senate race ''. kptm.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` Official Results of Nebraska Primary Election, May 13, 2008 '' ( PDF ). Government of Nebraska. June 20, 2008. Jump up ^ News, A.B.C. `` U.S. News - National News ''. ABC News. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ Rasmussen Reports on New Hampshire Archived April 30, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ Haberman, Shir ( January 11, 2007 ). `` Marchand says he 'll run for Senate ''. The Portsmouth Herald. Archived from the original on January 28, 2007. Retrieved February 6, 2007. Jump up ^ Moskowitz, Eric ( January 19, 2007 ). `` Swett plans campaign for U.S. Senate ''. Concord Monitor. Archived from the original on June 8, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2007. Jump up ^ `` NH - Sen : Jay Buckey 's Out ''. February 13, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Results of SurveyUSA News Poll # 11152 ''. SurveyUSA. November 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Voters still say Lautenberg is too old ''. NJ.com. September 25, 2007. Retrieved November 30, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Anthony B. Fisher for U.S. Senate in 2008 official website ''. Archived from the original on October 25, 2009. Jump up ^ `` Politics1 - Online Guide to New Jersey Politics ''. Jump up ^ `` Write In Carl Peter Klapper for United States Senator ''. ^ Jump up to : Official results for 2008 primary elections, New Jersey Division of Elections ( PDF Archived August 6, 2008, at the Wayback Machine., July 11, 2008 ) Jump up ^ Herszenhorn, David M. ( October 4, 2007 ). `` Republican Senator From New Mexico Is Said to Be Retiring ''. The New York Times. Retrieved May 27, 2010. Jump up ^ `` SurveyUSA Approval Ratings for New Mexico Senators ''. ^ Jump up to : Carnevale, Mary Lu ( June 12, 2008 ). `` Sen. Ensign Says GOP Majority Would Be ' Fairly Miraculous ' ''. Retrieved December 20, 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` Archived copy '' ( PDF ). Archived from the original ( PDF ) on March 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2015. CS1 maint : Archived copy as title ( link ) Jump up ^ `` 2008 Election Statistics ''. clerk.house.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ Christensen, Rob ( June 12, 2006 ). `` Mary Easley has active public life, but she 's no Hillary Clinton ''. The News & Observer. Archived from the original on December 9, 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2007. Jump up ^ Kane, Dan ; Christensen, Rob ; Curliss, J. Andrew ( January 25, 2007 ). `` Poll puts Easley over Dole ''. The News & Observer. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2007. Jump up ^ Hagan to run newsobserver.com projects Archived May 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ rasmussenreports.com on North Carolina Archived May 13, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ Beating a Popular Incumbent SKDKnickerbocker Archived July 5, 2013, at the Wayback Machine... Skdknick.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013. ^ Jump up to : `` NC - Election Results ''. results.enr.clarityelections.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` NC - Election Results ''. results.enr.clarityelections.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` OK Sr Sen Approval ''. SurveyUSA. September 27, 2007. Retrieved October 19, 2007. ^ Jump up to : `` Oklahoma State Election Board - Primary Election 2008 ''. Ok.gov. July 29, 2008. Retrieved December 8, 2012. Jump up ^ `` 2008 Election Statistics ''. Clerk.house.gov. Retrieved December 8, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Oregon Voters ' Pamphlet : May 20, 2008 ''. Oregon Secretary of State. Retrieved May 8, 2008. Jump up ^ Walsh, Edward ( May 21, 2008 ). `` Merkley scores chance to take on Smith ''. The Oregonian. Retrieved May 21, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Oregon Senate : Merkley tops Smith for first time 43 % to 41 % ''. Rasmussen Reports. July 16, 2008. Archived from the original on July 14, 2008. Retrieved July 16, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Merkley ready for Senate race victory lap ''. The Oregonian. ^ Jump up to : `` Oregon Secretary of State : Official Results May 2008 Primary Election '' ( PDF ). sos.oregon.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Results of SurveyUSA News Poll # 11161 ''. SurveyUSA. November 22, 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Candidate From Casino Knows Odds ''. theDay.com. July 2, 2008. Archived from the original on May 24, 2011. Jump up ^ Graham beats GOP challenger in SC Senate primary Archived June 13, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ US Senate primary recount : Conley to face Graham Jump up ^ `` South Carolina Working Families Party Nominates - Ballot Access News ''. www.ballot-access.org. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` SC - Election Results ''. www.enr-scvotes.org. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` U.S. Senate : South Carolina ''. CNN. November 4, 2008. Retrieved November 4, 2008. Jump up ^ `` The Associated Press : Johnson to Run for Senate After Illness ''. June 9, 2007. Archived from the original on June 9, 2007. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Results of SurveyUSA News Poll # 11163 ''. SurveyUSA. November 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2007. Jump up ^ `` South Dakota Secretary of State, Shantel Krebs ''. www.sdsos.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2008 Election Statistics ''. clerk.house.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Alexander Running Again, Sets Fundraiser ''. The Chattanoogan. April 3, 2007. Archived from the original on October 8, 2007. Retrieved April 6, 2007. Jump up ^ Clarkesville Online : Green Party Senate Candidate Chris Lugo Urges Inclusion in Debates. September 27, 2006. Jump up ^ `` Daniel Lewis Is Libertarian Candidate For U.S. Senate ''. The Chattanoogan. March 10, 2007. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Archived copy '' ( PDF ). Archived from the original ( PDF ) on July 13, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2011. CS1 maint : Archived copy as title ( link ) Jump up ^ `` Archived copy '' ( PDF ). Archived from the original ( PDF ) on July 13, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2011. CS1 maint : Archived copy as title ( link ) Jump up ^ `` 2008 Election Statistics ''. clerk.house.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ Rasmussen Reports on Texas Archived May 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ Noriega avoids runoff in Senate bid ; Cornyn wins easily, Dallas Morning News Jump up ^ Libertarian Party of Texas Archived January 13, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ txgreens.org Archived February 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ `` Our Campaigns - TX US Senate - D Primary Race - Mar 04, 2008 ''. www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Our Campaigns - TX US Senate - R Primary Race - Mar 04, 2008 ''. www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ Dr. Michael McDonald ( March 31, 2012 ). `` 2008 General Election Turnout Rates ''. George Mason University. Archived from the original on January 12, 2013. Retrieved March 4, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Sen. John Warner Decides Not to Run ''. ABC News. August 31, 2007. Archived from the original on September 4, 2007. Retrieved August 31, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Gilmore Announces 2008 U.S. Senate Bid ''. msnbc.msn.com. Jump up ^ MarkWarner08 ( September 12, 2007 ). `` Mark Warner : Join our effort ''. Retrieved December 20, 2017 -- via YouTube. Jump up ^ `` Democrat Warner Holds Large Lead Over Davis and Gilmore ''. Rasmussen Reports. Archived from the original on September 11, 2007. Jump up ^ `` 2008 Election Statistics ''. clerk.house.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Election 2004 West Virginia Exit Poll ''. CNN.com. November 2, 2004. Retrieved February 6, 2007. Jump up ^ `` U.S. Senate : West Virginia ''. CNN. November 4, 2008. Retrieved November 4, 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` Results '' ( PDF ). soswy.state.wy.us. 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` Results '' ( PDF ). soswy.state.wy.us. 2008. Jump up ^ `` Governor picks Barrasso ''. Casper Star - Tribune. June 22, 2007. Retrieved June 22, 2007. Jump up ^ Kady II, Martin ( June 5, 2007 ). `` Senate Mourns Death of Wyoming Republican Craig Thomas ''. CQ Politics. Archived from the original on June 7, 2007. Retrieved June 5, 2007. Jump up ^ Goodenough announces Senate bid against Barrasso KULR - 8 TELEVISION - Billings, Montana Wyoming State News Archived April 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ Political newcomer Carter will face Barrasso The Associated Press. August 21, 2008. The Billings Gazette. Jump up ^ `` 2008 Election Statistics ''. clerk.house.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2017. External links Cook Political Report 2008 Senate Race Ratings CQ Politics Senate Analysis Interactive Map of 2008 Senate Races Senate Newspaper Endorsement List FiveThirtyEight Senate Projections Intrade Composite Poll - Supermajority Predictions United States Election 2008 Web Archive from the U.S. Library of Congress See also United States elections, 2008 United States presidential election, 2008 United States House of Representatives elections, 2008 110th United States Congress 111th United States Congress ( 2007 ← ) 2008 United States elections ( → 2009 ) President United States presidential election, 2008 U.S. Senate Alabama Alaska Arkansas Colorado Delaware Georgia Idaho Illinois Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Montana Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Virginia West Virginia Wyoming Special Mississippi Wyoming U.S. House Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia ( 1st 7th ) United States Virgin Islands Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Special California 12th Illinois 14th Indiana 7th Louisiana 1st Louisiana 6th Maryland 4th Mississippi 1st Ohio 11th Governors American Samoa Delaware Indiana Missouri Montana New Hampshire North Carolina North Dakota Puerto Rico Utah Vermont Washington West Virginia Mayors Augusta Baton Rouge Portland, OR San Diego States Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas United States Virgin Islands Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming United States Senate elections Multiple - date elections 1788 / 89 1790 / 91 1792 / 93 1794 / 95 1796 / 97 1798 / 99 1800 / 01 1802 / 03 1804 / 05 1806 / 07 1808 / 09 1810 / 11 1812 / 13 1814 / 15 1816 / 17 1818 / 19 1820 / 21 1822 / 23 1824 / 25 1826 / 27 1828 / 29 1830 / 31 1832 / 33 1834 / 35 1836 / 37 1838 / 39 1840 / 41 1842 / 43 1844 / 45 1846 / 47 1848 / 49 1850 / 51 1852 / 53 1854 / 55 1856 / 57 1858 / 59 1860 / 61 1862 / 63 1864 / 65 1866 / 67 1868 / 69 1870 / 71 1872 / 73 1874 / 75 1876 / 77 1878 / 79 1880 / 81 1882 / 83 1884 / 85 1886 / 87 1888 / 89 1890 / 91 1892 / 93 1894 / 95 1896 / 97 1898 / 99 1900 / 01 1902 / 03 1904 / 05 1906 / 07 1908 / 09 1910 / 11 1912 / 13 Single - date elections 1914 1916 1918 1920 1922 1924 1926 1928 1930 1932 1934 1936 1938 1940 1942 1944 1946 1948 1950 1952 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1994 1998 2000 2002 2006 2008 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 Special elections Election disputes Results by state List of elections in the United States House elections Presidential elections Gubernatorial elections Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=United_States_Senate_elections,_2008&oldid=866508653 '' Categories : United States Senate elections, 2008 November 2008 events Hidden categories : Webarchive template wayback links All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from July 2016 Articles with permanently dead external links Articles with dead external links from June 2016 CS1 maint : Archived copy as title Articles with dead external links from September 2017 Articles with dead external links from July 2017 Use mdy dates from August 2013 Articles with hCards All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from August 2013 Articles with specifically marked weasel - worded phrases from March 2013 Articles with unsourced statements from November 2017 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Deutsch Français 한국어 Bahasa Melayu Edit links This page was last edited on 30 October 2018, at 19 : 31 ( UTC ). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: who had control of the senate in 2008
Answer: Democrats