[Updated Oct. 26] When Senator Roberts survived the GOP primary, he looked set to win a fourth term in deep-red Kansas. His two challengers 鈥� Democrat Chad Taylor and independent Greg Orman 鈥� would split the opposition.
But on Sept. 3, Mr. Taylor dropped out of the race. That left Mr. Orman, a wealthy businessman, with a direct shot at Roberts. And now Roberts is the most vulnerable Republican senator in the country, according to the nonpartisan .
Taylor鈥檚 name will remain on the ballot, which could help Roberts. The state鈥檚 Republican cast also helps the incumbent. But Roberts still has his work cut out. Early this year, he admitted he doesn鈥檛 own a home in Kansas, and stays with donors when he visits the state. After 40 years in Washington, Roberts has lost touch with the home crowd.
Cook, Sabato, and Rothenberg all rank the race a tossup.
