Boxer's Chances of Re-Election Downgraded

Barbara "Dumb-as-a-Box-of-Rocks" Boxer is still a favorite to win in November, but Stuart Rothenberg has downgraded her chances a bit:

Republicans have to sort out a competitive primary in California, but Sen. Barbara Boxer's (D) poll numbers are less than intimidating. The contest is worth watching because of the building GOP wave. Move from Currently Safe to Clear Advantage for Incumbent Party.

While events between now and November will affect the outlook for November, the GOP seems most likely to net 5-7 Senate seats, with a 8-seat gain certainly possible (but still short of the 10-seat gain the GOP would need for control). That means Democrats are likely to retain control of the Senate, but at a dramatically reduced level.

Here are our latest Senate ratings.
#- Moved benefiting Democrats
*- Moved benefiting Republicans

Lean Takeover (0 R, 4 D)

• Lincoln (D-AR)
  
• Reid (D-NV)
  
• ND Open (Dorgan, D)
• DE Open (Kaufman, D)

Toss-Up (4 R, 4 D)

• KY Open (Bunning, R)
  
• MO Open (Bond, R)
• NH Open (Gregg, R)
• OH Open (Voinovich, R)
• IL Open (Burris, D)
• IN Open (Bayh, D)
• Bennet (D-CO)
• Specter (D-PA)
  

Narrow Advantage for Incumbent Party (1 R, 0 D)

• Burr (R-NC)

Clear Advantage for Incumbent Party (2 R,1 D)

• Vitter (R-LA)
  
• FL Open (LeMieux, R)
• Boxer (D-CA) *
  
• CT Open (Dodd, D)

The other 19 races (11R 8D) are considered safe...at least at this point.