2014 is Last Best Chance for Republicans to Win Senate | TIME.com

Pundits have been predicting for the last two election cycles that Republicans would take control of the Senate. After all, Democrats had to defend 19 seats in 2010 and 23 seats in 2012. And yet each time Republicans fell short, weakened by bloody tea party primaries and anemic candidate recruitment. This year, Republicans are hoping to finally capture the upper chamber: Democrats are defending 21 seats, seven in states that President Barack Obama lost in 2012. And to ensure a win, the GOP is taking a page from its erstwhile rivals.

In 2006 and again in 2008, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, under the stewardship of New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, expanded the Democratic playing field into red and purple states through savvy candidate recruitment. Democrats scored surprising wins in states like Missouri and Montana. Schumer’s freshman class of 2008 is now up for reelection, while Democrats in Alaska, North Carolina and Minnesota must defend their seats.

In recent months, Republicans have adopted Schumer’s playbook, expanding the playing field beyond a handful of swing states. The GOP has recruited solid candidates in Michigan and Virginia, and if Scott Brown jumps into the race, Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen could face a tough challenge in New Hampshire. “Thanks to a strong field of candidates, a growing map that has expanded into purple and blue states, and a strong political environment, Republicans are well positioned to win the Senate majority in 2014,” says Brad Dayspring, a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which works to elect Republicans to the Senate.

“It worked for Democrats pretty well in 2006,” says Jennifer Duffy, who tracks senate races for the Cook Political Report. “It’s far from bring a done deal, but Republicans are putting the piece on the board to take advantage of a favorable environment.”

via 2014 is Last Best Chance for Republicans to Win Senate | TIME.com.