Economy may be just as dangerous for Norm Coleman as Iraq

Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) has a pretty tough job on his hands this year. He has to run against his Iraq voting record, his inaction in the face of a healthcare crisis, the decimated Republican brand and now a recession. Incumbent Republicans are going to have enough trouble without a lousy economy, but independent voters often vote their pocketbook.

A U.S. economy teetering on the verge of a recession has many Americans concerned about their jobs – including a number of United States senators.

Nine months before the 2008 elections, the economy has emerged as the top issue on voters’ minds, and both parties are working in earnest to agree on a stimulus package intended to stem the downturn.

But even as they smile together for pictures and boast of crossing the aisle, party strategists are bracing for the political fallout and positioning themselves to deflect a backlash at the polls.
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Whatever lawmakers accomplish will be scrutinized by the public and could have a major impact on a number of close races. In the last month, the economy shrank in 23 states, including Louisiana, Oregon, Minnesota and New Hampshire, according to new data released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia; Maine’s economy grew only marginally.

GOP candidates are the most likely to feel the pressure as four of the five tightest re-elections in the Senate feature Republican incumbents: Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), John Sununu (R-N.H.), and Norm Coleman (R-Minn.). Mary Landrieu (D-La.) is the fifth.
(The Hill)