Democratic succession could trigger big Senate losses

President-elect Barack Obama came in on a huge Democratic tide, one that pushed his party within spitting distance of a 60-seat supermajority in the U.S. Senate.

But the Dems now face the prospect of losing three Senate seats in “blue” states within two years.

Obama’s own seat in Illinois is now at the heart of a cringe-inducing Democratic scandal.

It’s still unclear who will replace New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton — who is awaiting confirmation as the next Secretary of State.

But that person will certainly face a withering, high-stakes contest against former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani or possibly former Governor George Pataki.

Obama has also chosen Colorado Senator Ken Salazar to serve as Interior Secretary, putting that seat up for grabs in two years.

Even if all three seats flip in 2010, Democrats have some wiggle room left.

If Al Franken wins the Minnesota contest, the Dems will hold an astonishing 58 seats. Along with the two Independents who caucus with the Dems, that’s the magic 60-number.

But by 2010, that number may have eroded to just 54 Democrats (assuming a Franken loss).

That’s still a solid majority, but Republicans will head toward 2012 with some much-needed momentum.