The GOP can almost announce its first Senate pickup of the 2010 races: Today in North Dakota, Republican John Hoeven announced his candidacy for the seat currently held by Democratic senator Byron Dorgan, who is retiring. Hoeven will be a heavy favorite to win.
Speculation now turns to the state’s single House member, Democrat Earl Pomeroy. There’s a chance he’ll try to succeed Dorgan. More likely, he’ll try to cling to his House seat, which he has occupied since 1993. With Hoeven at the top of the ticket in a GOP-friendly year, however, he may have a fight on his hands.