First is the race for Ted Stevens' Senate seat.  The 4-term senator is caught in an ethics scandal and may yet be indicted for alleged wrongdoings.  As a result, this race is presently very cloudy at best.  He may avoid serious legal action; he may withstand probable primary opposition; he may win the general election in November.  But since all three of these possibilities are unknown right now, this race can only be classified as a Weak GOP Hold.  However, the events in the next few months will most likely change that rating - to one side or the other - in dramatic fashion.

If he secures the Republican party nod, he'll be in for a tough fight regardless of what comes out of the investigation.  If he loses in the GOP primary, his successor in Washington will likely be another Republican.  On the other hand, if the Democrats can entice former Governor Tony Knowles into the race, it will be competitive for the Democrats no matter who is on the ballot for the GOP.  This race is definitely one worth keeping an eye on.

The second vulnerable Republican is Congressman Don Young.  He has some legal troubles of his own.  Since he's been in the House for over 35 years, he may decide it's time to quit.  That would make keeping this seat in the 'R' column much easier.  Like Stevens, he will probably face stiff primary competition anyway, so that may be a moot point.  This race is also rated a Weak GOP Hold for the time being.

Be sure to check out all the great information on the Alaska state page.

Next stop:  Arizona

Update:  I initially - and erroneously - characterized Don Young's seat as solid for the GOP.  The current post reflects a change in that evaluation.