KANSAS: Infighting Undercuts GOP

Popular Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) appears headed for a second term without much of a challenge from state Sen. Jim Barnett (R), leaving the focus in this state on a rematch in the 2nd Congressional District between Rep. Jim Ryun (R) and Nancy Boyda (D).

Ryun, who once held the world record for the mile run and competed in three Olympics, won with 56 percent of the vote in 2004 but has a tougher race this year. Democrats gambled by putting late money into the race. Countering, Republicans plan to bring President Bush to the state today.

The real story in Kansas this year is turmoil inside the Republican Party after a decade of ideological warfare. The former chairman of the state Republican Party, Mark Parkinson, is running with Sebelius to be her lieutenant governor. Another party-switcher, Paul Morrison, is the Democratic nominee for attorney general. He is in a close and nasty race against Republican Phill Kline. Their defections reflect disillusionment among moderates with the state of the GOP.

NEBRASKA: Parties Likely to Keep Seats

In 2004, Bush carried western Nebraska's 3rd District with 75 percent. Rep. Tom Osborne (R) won reelection with 87 percent. And yet, national Democrats say they may have a chance to pull off an upset for the seat, which Osborne vacated to run for governor.

Rancher Scott Kleeb (D) has run a sound campaign, and state Sen. Adrian Smith (R) appears to have taken victory for granted following his tough primary win. Still, the demographics of this district make a Democratic upset unlikely.

Gov. David Heineman (R) is cruising to victory over businessman David Hahn (D).

Sen. Ben Nelson (D), who won his seat with just 51 percent in 2000, is expected to win easily over wealthy businessman Pete Ricketts (R).

NORTH DAKOTA: Unrivaled Senate Race

Sen. Kent Conrad (D), a 20-year veteran of politics, was assured of reelection when Republicans failed to persuade Gov. John Hoeven (R) to challenge him. Farmer Dwight Grotberg is the kind of polite opponent any senator would love to have.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Abortion Politics

Gov. Mike Rounds (R), who backed the new state law banning abortions except to save a woman's life, has minimal opposition from former state Rep. Jack Billion (D).

The only public poll on a ballot referendum to enact the abortion ban, for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, found 52 percent opposed, 42 percent in favor. The $4 million battle goes on, however, with neither side yielding an inch.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Abortion Politics

Gov. Mike Rounds (R), who backed the new state law banning abortions except to save a woman's life, has minimal opposition from former state Rep. Jack Billion (D).

The only public poll on a ballot referendum to enact the abortion ban, for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, found 52 percent opposed, 42 percent in favor. The $4 million battle goes on, however, with neither side yielding an inch.