Stuart Rothenberg, who has served as a political analyst for CNN and CBS News, is editor and publisher of The Rothenberg Political Report, a non-partisan political newsletter. Nathan Gonzales is the publication's political editor. North Carolina's Elizabeth Dole was once regarded as a lock for re-election, but now could lose her seat. WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Two years ago, as the 2007-2008 election cycle was beginning, one female Republican senator up for re-election looked to be in serious danger: Maine's Susan Collins. But with just three weeks left until Election Day, the moderate Collins now appears to be one of the few embattled Republican senators who could survive the forthcoming Democratic wave.
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Elizabeth Dole, once considered a lock for re-election, now seen as likely to lose
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Dole seemed not to appreciate threat she faced in Senate campaign, writers say
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Barack Obama's good run in state means less of a bump for Dole
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Republican senator in Maine worked harder to combat her vulnerability, writers say
Third, for whatever reason, Collins has, over the 12 years that she has represented the state in the Senate, developed considerable affection and respect from @placeholder voters, who see her as independent, hard-working and down to earth.