Recent developments in Louisiana, New Jersey increase GOP optimism about Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Republican heading his party's bid to reclaim control of the Senate says recent developments in Louisiana and New Jersey have improved the GOP's chances. <br><br>The ethical

Friday, September 6th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Republican heading his party's bid to reclaim control of the Senate says recent developments in Louisiana and New Jersey have improved the GOP's chances.

The ethical problems of Sen. Robert Torricelli of New Jersey, combined with a growing GOP field in an unusual election system in Louisiana, have improved Republican prospects, said Sen. Bill Frist of Tennessee. Frist is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

``I knew we could do it if everything worked out perfectly,'' Frist said. ``Now it gives me a little more room to take additional calculated risks in other areas.''

``With what's happened in New Jersey, the whole landscape has switched,'' Frist said at a media briefing about the Nov. 5 elections. Democrats have a 50-49-1 advantage in the Senate.

The Senate Ethics Committee admonished Torricelli in late July for taking gifts from a former friend and contributor, David Chang. A poll taken soon after the action against Torricelli showed him tied with Republican challenger Douglas Forrester. Torricelli led Forrester by 8 points in a poll in June.

``Obviously it's a competitive race,'' said Jim Jordan, executive director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. ``But the state tilts dramatically Democratic on the issues.''

He acknowledged that ``Senator Torricelli has taken his lumps,'' but predicted he would be in stronger position ``once voters get a good look at Doug Forrester.'' Forrester is a wealthy businessman who has spent more than $6 million of his own money on the race.

The Republican campaign committee has injected itself into the Louisiana Senate race as well, throwing its money and influence behind Louisiana Elections Commissioner Suzanne Haik Terrell, one of four Republicans now challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu.

Under Louisiana's unusual election system, all candidates run in the same primary regardless of party. If one fails to get more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers meet in a December runoff.

Frist said Terrell appears to have the best chance to do well in a head-to-head matchup with Landrieu. Terrell was the most recent major Republican candidate to get into the race, joining Rep. John Cooksey of Monroe, state Rep. Tony Perkins of Baton Rouge and retired Navy officer Ernest Skillman of Baton Rouge.

Jordan said Republicans are engaged in ``wishful thinking'' in Louisiana, adding, ``It's simply not going to happen.'' He said problems in GOP campaigns in other states have led them to try to expand the competitive map.

Frist said Republicans will have a big financial advantage, but Jordan countered that Democrats have already paid for many of their political ads in key states.

Frist said Republicans have been able to position themselves favorably on top Democratic issues like corporate accountability, Social Security and prescription drugs.

Frist said the competitive races in GOP-tilting states, along with the financial advantage and current issues, favor a good performance for Republicans. But he acknowledged that continuing problems with the economy are a concern. He said he wants to see three or four weeks of ``a rising stock market'' before the elections.

``The stock market does affect people's attitude and optimism,'' Frist said, ``and whether they trust leadership.''