Races to watch

Senate

“Ohio. Republican Sen. Mike DeWine is weakened by scandals in his state party. He faces Rep. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, in a state where Republicans are in trouble almost everywhere.

“Pennsylvania. Republican Sen. Rick Santorum faces Democrat Bob Casey Jr., the state treasurer and son of the late governor. Polls show Santorum trailing significantly.

“New Jersey. Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez was appointed to his seat and now must defend it against Republican state Sen. Tom Kean Jr., son of the former governor.

House

“Ohio, 18th District. Rep. Bob Ney is probably the most endangered Republican in the country. He was implicated in the plea deal by disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and has stepped down as chairman of the House Administration Committee. Likely to be renominated next Tuesday, he then faces a strong challenge from winner of Democratic primary.

Governors

“California. Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger seeks a full term after ousting Democrat Gray Davis in a 2003 recall. Democrats vying for their party’s June 6 primary nomination include state controller Steve Westly and state treasurer Phil Angelides.

“Florida. Republican Gov. Jeb Bush is leaving office because of term limits. Democrats vying for their party’s nomination include U.S. Rep. Jim Davis and state Sen. Rod Smith. Republican candidates include state Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher and Attorney General Charlie Crist. Primaries are Sept. 5.

“New York. Republican Gov. George Pataki isn’t running. Democrats in a Sept. 12 primary include Attorney General Elliot Spitzer and Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. Republican candidates include former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld.