CQ Politics Ratings: Tinklenberg, Sarvi and Walz improve

Congressional Quarterly released its election rankings for Senate and House races throughout the country, and it isn’t good news for Republicans. In all, 74 Democratic House candidates improved in CQ’s rankings compared to just nine for Republicans. In terms of Senate races, Democrats’ chances improved in 14 races compared to just two for Republicans.

In Minnesota, Democratic Rep. Tim Walz of the 1st Congressional District is favored to win his race against Republican Brian Davis with CQ moving the race from Leans Democratic to Democrat Favored.

In the 2nd Congressional District, Iraq veteran and Democrat Steve Sarvi improved against Republican Rep. John Kline as CQ changed the race from Republican Favored to Leans Republican.

The flap over Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann’s “anti-America” comments on Hardball less than two weeks ago appear to have influenced CQ’s ranking for the 6th Congressional District. The ranking jumped from Republican Favored to No Clear Favorite, putting Democratic candidate El Tinklenberg at an even shot to win the district.

Minnesota 1: Tim Walz , D
One year ago: Leans Democratic
Six months ago: Leans Democratic
Today: Democrat Favored

Minnesota 2: John Kline , R
One year ago: Safe Republican
Six months ago: Safe Republican
Today: Republican Favored

Minnesota 6: Michele Bachmann , R
One year ago: Republican Favored
Six months ago: Republican Favored
Today: No Clear Favorite