All eyes are on the Presidential primaries, but this year also is shaping up as a good one for Democrats to solidify majorities in the House and Senate. We'll talk more about the House later, but I wanted to pass along the latest exciting news in the Senate. The first good news is that Democrats only have to defend 12 seats, while Republicans have 21 seats up for grabs.

One of the Republican seats is in Virginia, where Democrat Mark Warner is very popular and is almost certain to turn Virginia further blue. The Governor and one Senator are already Democrats in that changing state. Two more open seats, in New Mexico and Colorado, are leaning towards the Democrats, with cousins and current Congressmen Tom (NM) and Mark (Col) Udall leading the way.

Incumbent Republicans in New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Oregon are all facing serious challengers, with John Sununu of NH trailing heavily behind former Governor Jeanne Shaheen. In Minnesota, the path is cleared for Al Franken to win the nomination to face Norm Coleman. And in Oregon, Gordon Smith is facing a serious challenge from state House Speaker Jeff Merkley.

Already, that list would mark 6 Democratic pick-ups. Other states, including Alaska, where Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich has announced his intention to run against corrupt GOP dinosaur Ted Stevens, are also going to be in play. Senator John Cornyn of Texas is even facing low ratings in opinion polls.

The best news of all is how Republicans have failed to find candidates to run against Democrats in South Dakota and Arkansas. That frees up Democratic resources to focus on the states mentioned above. The only Democratic seat in danger at this point is in Louisiana, where Mary Landrieu has squeaked by twice before.

All in all, 2008 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Democrats in the Senate. To follow these races and more, go to dscc.org/races.