Jim Himes, left, and Christopher Shays
Republican: Chris Shays (Incumbent)
Democrat: Jim Himes (Businessman)
Chris Shays, one of the most liberal Republicans in the House and Connecticut's only remaining GOP rep, has held this southwestern Connecticut seat since 1987. His Democratic opponent, Jim Himes, is a former Goldman-Sachs vice-president who now works in an affordable housing non-profit. Himes is counting on increased Democratic turnout and anti-war sentiment to help him, while Shays hopes his experience in close races (and influence on Capitol Hill) will see him through.
2004 Presidential Vote: Kerry 54%, Bush 46%
-James Downie and Marti Covington/Washington