Vote '06: The battle for Senate supremacy
Bush's political potency depends on Republicans hanging on to the Senate. There are 33 seats up for grabs, 15 of which are Republican. Democrats must gain six. These are the key contests in an election which has turned into a referendum on President Bush and his mission in Iraq
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Cantwell vs McGavick
Incumbent Democrat Maria Cantwell, the first in her family to graduate, squeaked a win in 2000, so the Republicans hope their Mike McGavick will oust her. But Cantwell should squeeze home.
MISSOURI
McCaskill vs Talent
The latest polls show Democrat Claire McCaskill and incumbent Republican Jim Talent are level. Vital for Democrats, but Republicans have only lost one Senate race in this state in 25 years.
CALIFORNIA
Feinstein vs Mountjoy
Incumbent Democrat Dianne Feinstein has been Senator since 1992, and was first woman to sit on Senate Judiciary Committee. She faces a challenge from Republican Richard Mountjoy.
MONTANA
Tester vs Burns
Long-serving Republican Senator Conrad Burns is mired in controversy over contributions from lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Democrat Jon Tester, a leading organic farmer, could take it.
RHODE ISLAND
Whitehouse vs Chafee
A heavily Democratic state, so it's likely that incumbent Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee will lose his seat to Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse, a former Attorney-General.
MINNESOTA
Klobuchar vs Kennedy
Democrat Amy Klobuchar takes on Republican Mark Kennedy - the fourth generation of his family to serve (and no relation to the JFK clan). This race could go either way.
VIRGINIA
Webb vs Allen
Republican Senator George Allen has watched his strong lead over Democrat Jim Webb slip amid controversy over racial slurs and his association with the Confederate flag.
CONNECTICUT
Lamont vs Lieberman vs Schlesinger
Ned Lamont won the primary from former vice-presidential candidate Joe Lieberman, who fights on as an Independent. Alan Schlesinger, a former mayor, is his Republican rival.
TENNESSEE
Ford vs Corker
Democrat Harold Ford Jr wants to be the first black senator elected in the South, but it won't be easy. This state tends to vote Republican; Democrats have struggled since 1994.
MARYLAND
Cardin vs Steele
Republicans hope to win with Michael Steele, first black man elected to statewide position in Maryland. Has to beat Ben Cardin, one of youngest Speakers in state's history.
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