In the upcoming elections, Democrats have the opportunity to strengthen their Senate majority, which would increase their influence regardless of who becomes the next President. Due to retirements, scandals, and the Iraq war, Republicans are facing challenges, and Democrats may potentially gain up to nine seats in the 100-member Senate in the November 2008 elections. This would give Democrats a crucial 60 seats, which is the number needed to overcome Republican procedural obstacles. This majority would allow Democrats to push for changes in President Bush's Iraq war policy, including the withdrawal of U.S. troops. The last time Democrats had a significant majority in the Senate was during the 1977-1979 congressional session when they held 61 seats. Jennifer Duffy, who monitors Senate races for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, believes that reaching 60 seats is a real possibility. She stated that for things to go in their favor, everything would need to go perfectly. At this point, it is too soon to make any predictions. The elections are a year away and numerous Republicans are trying to separate themselves from Bush, who has a low approval rating. However, they are still connected to his unpopular position on the Iraq war, which has been ongoing for five years. Many are worried about what lies ahead, especially since Senate Democrats have received more campaign contributions than Republicans. "We are expected to lose seats," said a senior Senate Republican aide, citing the unfavorable political climate for their party. Currently, Republicans hold 22 out of the 34 Senate seats up for re-election next year, compared to Democrats' 12. All Democratic incumbents plan to seek re-election and are considered likely winners. On the other hand, five Republican incumbents have already stated they will not run for another six-year term in 2008. Last week, Senators Pete Domenici and Larry Craig, both Republicans, announced they would not be seeking re-election. Domenici, aged 75, cited declining health as his reason, while Craig, aged 62, mentioned his disputed conviction in an undercover sex-sting in an airport men's room. The Craig conviction has embarrassed Republicans, who pride themselves on being the party of "conservative family values." Additionally, the party has been rattled by a political corruption investigation in Alaska involving Senator Ted Stevens, the longest serving Republican senator in history. Stevens, who has been a member of the Senate since 1968, has denied any misconduct. However, the investigation has made the 83-year-old Alaskan vulnerable in the upcoming 2008 elections. The Iraq war played a significant role in helping Democrats gain control of Congress last year, and it may also help them increase their majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate in the following year. Despite this, Republicans are encouraged by polls showing that only about one in four Americans approve of the Democratic-led Congress, which has been hindered by partisan disagreements. Rebecca Fisher, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Senate campaign committee, stated that Democrats have not yet demonstrated their ability to effectively lead the country, and voters are noticing. She believes that Republicans will regain control of the Senate. Despite this, Democrats are dismissing these claims, pointing to surveys that show Americans still prefer Democrats over Republicans in Congress. However, many are hesitant to make predictions about their performance in the upcoming elections. Duffy from the Cook Political Report says that Democrats are trying to lower expectations for significant Senate gains because they are concerned it could energize the Republican base. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, who previously doubted his party's chances of winning the Senate, is now focused on maintaining a majority. Similarly, Sen. Charles Schumer, who leads the Senate Democratic campaign committee, is optimistic about their chances in the upcoming election but does not want to speculate on the number of seats they may gain.