Some Republican Senate Optimism

Just as they lose Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), Republicans are getting a few breaks that could sustain them through the 2010 cycle.

- Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), one of the last Republican stars in suburban Chicago, is considering running for President Obama’s old Senate seat, currently occupied by Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.), who has reached an almost comic level of political weakness.

- Trey Grayson, Kentucky’s Republican state treasurer, might have the go-ahead to replace Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) if the enfeebled Bunning retires next year.