Big changes not likely in the state senate

Political observers on both sides of the isle seem to agree, this year's legislative races will be interesting to watch. On the surface, it looks like there will not be much change, but then again anything could happen this year. Voters are angry, but the question that remains to be unanswered is will they take that anger out on the Republican held legislature or the Democratic Governor?

Over the last few years Arizona has been trending more and more blue. Arizona Democrats are hoping that trend along with the troubled economy will help them gain seats in the state legislature. Republicans on the other hand are hoping with John McCain at the top of the ticket and registration advantages in most districts they will be able to maintain or even increase slightly their current advantage.

Here is a look at some of the races to watch

Senate
Most of the Senate seats are unlikely to change hands. Those which could be in play are LD20 and LD26.

Democratic strategist have had their eye on LD20 for a while. Republicans have had plenty of success in LD20 holding all three seats, but with a registration advantage to independent voters, Democrats think they can make up ground with an electorate that may demand change. Republicans are confident that Senator John Huppenthal will be returned.

LD26 is probably the most likely seat to change hands if one does. Democrat Charlene Pesquiera is not seeking another term and Democrat Cheryl Cage and Al Melvin are squaring off to replace Pesquiera. There may not be a race anywhere in the state with two more politically opposite candidates. With Cage on the left and Melvin on the right this battle will one to watch in one of the very few swing districts in the state. Democrats are happy to be facing Melvin as they believe his primary opponent Peter Hershberger would have been much difficult to polarized while Republicans are happy facing Cage believing she is to far on the left for the district.

Democratic pickups in the senate will be hard to come by and the Republicans will be focusing all their efforts on LD26 for a small gain. Either way, little change looks to be coming to the senate this year. The house is another matter and we will have a preview of some of the interesting races there later this week.