Senate Dems Say Debt Retired, Spirits Up For 2006 Cycle.

The article reports on US politics. Recovering from the net loss of four Senate seats last November, Senate Democrats today announced they have retired a $3.6 million campaign debt from the 2004 elections and will start the 2006 cycle with nearly $1 million in additional pledges. The senators have come forward like never before to retire the debt. Barbara Boxer of California, Barack Obama of Illinois, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Ron Wyden of Oregon. DSCC Chairman Charles Schumer of New York said the continuing Iraq war, economic worries, Social Security overhaul and the Medicare prescription drug benefit would work to the Democrats' advantage.