MADISON (WKOW) -- Those poll numbers could have a big impact on what happens in the Wisconsin State Legislature next year, especially in the Senate.
The Democrats hold a 17-15 majority in the Senate, with one likely Republican seat currently vacant.
But both party's respective Senate leaders know their chances could hinge on how well their candidates do at the top of the ticket.
With Democrats effectively holding onto a one seat majority, Republicans know winning it back is well within reach.
"It does boil down to a handful of races," said Sen. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau).
The Senate Majority and Minority leaders spoke at a WisPolitics luncheon today about which races those are and how much the Presidential and U.S. Senate campaigns will affect them.
"Its very exciting to see the advancement, the lead that the top of the ticket has taken, because I think that's gonna help pull candidates along," said Sen. Miller (D-Monona).
The Senators agree that the 12th Senate District seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Jim Holperin is a toss up.
"I feel really good about the 12th Senate seat right now," said Sen. Fitzgerald. "And Tom is working very hard and I think he's gonna win that."
Tom is Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst), who's run for that same Senate seat and lost twice before.
He faces Susan Sommer, an attorney from Phelps, who Miller admits is behind right now.
But he believes the President's popularity in far northeastern Wisconsin will help her.
"The district voted for President Obama by 53 percent of the vote, back in 2008," said Sen. Miller.
While Miller disagrees, Fitzgerald also believes Democratic Senator Jessica King is very vulnerable against Fond du Lac City Council President Rick Gudex in District 18, which includes parts of Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties.
"I think if Romney and Ryan do well, if Tommy's where he's in a position to win in the Valley, the Fox Valley, and then you've got strong congressional candidates, you know that slate has really evolved into something that I think could really evolve into something for us in November," said Sen. Fitzgerald.
The makeup of the Senate will be a major factor in determining just how much Governor Scott Walker (R-Wisconsin) can continue to put forth his reform agenda in a new budget next year.
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MADISON (WKOW) -- The State Senate Majority and Minority Leaders will discuss the upcoming elections that could swing control of the body at a WisPolitics luncheon Wednesday afternoon.
Sen. Mark Miller (D-Monona) and Sen. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) will be part of a forum at the Madison Club at noon.
Democrats control the Senate by a 17-15 majority, with one likely Republican seat currently vacant.
Republicans believe they can pick up that seat and an additional two or three more to regain the majority for the next legislative session which begins in January.
Capitol Bureau Chief Greg Neumann will be covering today's event and will have reports at 5 and 6.
