In 1986, Democrats demonstrated that they can play offense as well as Republicans. This year offers the party the opportunity to demonstrate their dexterity in their ability to play defense. It is an important test for the party since they will almost certainly face the political equivalent of a goal line stand in 1992. While the worse case scenario for Democrats this election cycle is to lose three or four seats, in 1992, their Senate majority will almost certainly be tested.
This November, three Democratic incumbents are facing the challenges of their lives from House members looking to change sides of the Hill. Tom Harkin in Iowa will be fending off an attack from Tom Tauke, Rhode Island's Claiborne Pell is opposed by Oaudine Schneider and Paul Simon will be fighting off Lynn Martin in Illinois. In addition, a fourth incumbent, Jim Exon, is facing a former House member, Hal Daub. These four races represent the most hotly contested Senate battles of 1990.
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