DENVER -- Colorado's junior senator has a new responsibility – helping Democrats maintain their hold on the U.S. Senate in 2014.

Sen. Michael Bennet will chair the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. That from a committee announcement Tuesday. Bennet is a soft-spoken centrist who defied the Republican wave in 2010 and won re-election in a bitter campaign run by the political strategist who is now the DSCC's executive director.

Bennet will be responsible for raising money and helping draw up national strategy for Democratic senators. Bennet will also continue to serve in the Senate. Twenty Democrats are up for re-election in 2014, while 13 Republicans are up. The Democrats include Colorado's senior senator, Mark Udall.

Democrats and the two independents who often vote with them currently hold a 55-45 majority in the Senate.

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  • Alabama

    Sen. Jeff Sessions (R) will be up for reelection in the Yellowhammer State, although the incumbent should be a safe bet in one of the reddest areas of the country. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney won Alabama by more than 20 points, and Sessions is three-for-three in his Senate bids.

  • Alaska

    Surprising to some, the home state of Sarah Palin elected a Democratic candidate to the U.S. Senate in 2008, when Sen. Mark Begich (D) narrowly defeated embattled former Sen. Ted Stevens (R). Before then, Alaska had not elected a Democrat since 1974. In 2014, it appears the contest will again be headed for the competitive column. Begich will have to do all he can to retain his seat in this Republican-leaning state.

  • Arkansas

    With an <a href="http://www.uark.edu/depts/plscinfo/partners/arkpoll/12/2012_Arkansas_Poll_Summary_Report.pdf" target="_hplink">approval rating over 50 percent</a>, Sen. Mark Pryor (D) should feel safe in an attempt to win his third election for the seat. This deep red state is willing to elect likeable Democratic candidates -- Mike Beebe (D) is the current sitting governor, and the Clintons hail from Arkansas. Nevertheless, Pryor may be facing a formidable opponent in two years. With every election, voters there favor Republicans more and more.

  • Colorado

    The senior senator from Colorado, Mark Udall (D), has already announced his intention to run again. This swing state should feature a competitive race, as Udall has middling approval numbers, and the GOP has a host of candidates from which to choose. The Democrat understands it will be a tough fight, saying last year that his 2014 reelection is akin to <a href="http://www.rollcall.com/issues/57_39/mark_udall_conquered_many_mountains_before_capitol_hill-209329-1.html?pos=oathh" target="_hplink">climbing Mount Everest</a>. Udall does have one bright spot so far: In a hypothetical matchup against a general Republican opponent, he leads 45 percent to 38 percent, <a href="http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2012/11/obama-leads-by-6-points-in-colorado-4-in-nevada.html#more" target="_hplink">according to Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling</a>.

  • Delaware

    Sen. Chris Coons (D) won a 2010 special election for Vice President Joe Biden's old seat and is the early favorite in 2014. It will mark 20 years since Delaware elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate, and President Barack Obama (D) handily carried the state in 2012. Lo and behold, controversial Christine O'Donnell could face Coons again. In September, she stated that she was considering another run, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/16/christine-odonnell-2014-senate_n_1888022.html" target="_hplink">saying</a>, "I think I owe that to my supporters." And support surrounding Joe Biden's son, Beau Biden, may begin mounting for a primary challenge if Democrats don't like their prospect. Either way, Delaware may acquire another national spotlight in 2014.

  • Georgia

    Saxby Chambliss (R), the junior senator from Georgia, will defend his incumbency in 2014. In what is often considered a safe red seat, this might be a surprise race to watch in two years. Chambliss had to face his 2008 Democratic opponent in a runoff election to determine the winner, and President Barack Obama only lost the state in 2012 by eight points, a differential that a favorable Democratic candidate could overcome. Chambliss, whose <a href="http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_GA_0406930.pdf" target="_hplink">last approval rating</a> came in at 38 percent while 33 percent disapproved, is probably safe, but first he might have to make it out of a primary fight. Those on the right have indicated they may challenge him, especially since his recent comments that he's willing to break from Grover Norquist's no-tax pledge.

  • Idaho

    Consider this one safe: A Republican incumbent in a Republican-heavy state, Sen. Jim Risch (R) should breeze to reelection in 2014.

  • Illinois

    If Sen. Dick Durbin (D) confirms his intent to run for reelection, he will be a heavy favorite in Illinois. Durbin, the Senate majority whip, has been serving since 1997 and has won his three previous races by at least 15 percent, a margin that would be hard for even the strongest GOP candidate to overcome. Nonetheless, recently defeated Rep. Joe Walsh (R) <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121107/news/711079754" target="_hplink">may jump into the race</a>, which would certainly draw national attention because of his Tea Party support.

  • Iowa

    In what would mark 30 years since running his first election for the U.S. Senate, Tom Harkin (D) may face a well-known Republican candidate in 2014. Rumors are swirling about who will take on the veteran, from current Gov. Terry Branstad (R) to Tea Party ally and Rep. Steve King (R). Regardless, Harkin is probably the slight favorite at this point, leading a generic Republican opponent 48 percent to 40 percent in <a href="http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2012/11/obama-leads-by-2-points-in-iowa-and-new-hampshire.html#more" target="_hplink">PPP's latest survey</a>.

  • Kansas

    With a positive net <a href="http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=0817cb1b-e6e3-4c23-b86a-9104d4230d45" target="_hplink">approval rating</a>, Sen. Pat Roberts (R) should not be worried about 2014. If he runs, his Democratic opponent will be fighting an uphill battle, challenging a three-time incumbent in the Senate and a member of Congress since 1981.

  • Kentucky

    Make a note of this one: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) will be up for reelection in 2014. Not only could he face a primary challenge, the Democrats are expected to bring their best in the general election. The <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/09/ashley-judd-floated-as-kentucky-senate-candidate-would-cahllene-mitch-micconnell_n_2101162.html" target="_hplink">prospects include</a> actress Ashley Judd, which would immediately make this a nationally viewed race. McConnell will want to keep his approval ratings where they are if he's going to win. 51 percent of Kentucky voters currently <a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120916/NEWS0106/309170030/Mitch-McConnell-Rand-Paul-rated-favorably-Bluegrass-Poll-shows" target="_hplink">approve</a> of the job he's doing.

  • Louisiana

    Sen. Mary Landrieu, the Democrat representing Louisiana, will be up for her fourth election. Landrieu is considered a very moderate Democrat, which she will need to emphasize in red Louisiana. She won her last election by 6 percentage points, and will be in a tight contest in 2014. She has yet to win a Senate race by more than 6 points.

  • Maine

    It's unclear whether Sen. Susan Collins (R) will try to defend her incumbency in 2014, but with sky-high approval ratings and a moderate tone, she would put up a strong fight in Maine. Voters there just elected an independent in Sen.-elect Angus King, and Collins can sell herself as a centrist. In the <a href="http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_ME_1102.pdf" target="_hplink">latest PPP poll</a> of the state, the senator garnered 62 percent of the vote against a generic Democratic opponent, a welcome sign to her if she decides to run.

  • Massachusetts

    Will he or won't he? Be in the Obama administration, that is. Longtime senator and former presidential nominee John Kerry (D) was thought to be a favorite to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, but now speculation has started surrounding the possibility of Kerry as the next defense secretary. He's the favorite in blue Massachusetts in 2014, but it is all dependent on what happens in the near future. Watch out for recently defeated Sen. Scott Brown (R) to make another appearance, particularly in a special election for Kerry's seat.

  • Michigan

    Serving since 1979, six-time incumbent Sen. Carl Levin (D) <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1112/83680.html" target="_hplink">expects</a> to make a decision on his reelection status early next year. This is a safe Democratic seat if Levin runs. Otherwise it could be competitive. Gov. Rick Snyder (R) showed in 2010 that a Republican can win a statewide race. Wait and see on this one.

  • Minnesota

    Sen. Al Franken (D) has already launched his 2014 campaign website, leaving no doubt he will seek reelection in what might turn out to be another close contest. In 2008, he defeated former Sen. Norm Coleman (R) by just 312 votes after a contentious recount. Bachmann, Pawlenty and yes, Coleman, have all had their names floated as potential challengers. Franken leads all three in hypothetical matchups and has <a href="http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_MN_1008.pdf" target="_hplink">decent approval ratings</a>. The Independence Party of Minnesota may also put up a fight after gaining 15 percent of the vote in 2008. This contest leans towards Franken, but will surely be competitive.

  • Mississippi

    Sen. Thad Cochran (R) is the heavy favorite in 2014 if he doesn't retire. Voters in Mississippi haven't elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in over 30 years.

  • Montana

    Facing tough approval numbers, Sen. Max Baucus (D) may have a primary battle on his hands for 2014. Current Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) could try to oust Baucus, although Schweitzer might be looking to 2016 and the presidency instead. If Baucus makes it out of a primary, expect a close contest in Montana similar to the senate race in 2012. And Baucus will be ready -- he <a href="http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/baucus-readying-for-senate-re-election-campaign-in/article_a131f560-7c68-11e1-9a7e-001a4bcf887a.html" target="_hplink">has over $3 million</a> for his campaign and has already run an ad.

  • Nebraska

    Former Nebraska governor and current Sen. Mike Johanns (R) should win his seat in 2014, barring a dramatic shift in Nebraska's sentiment towards the incumbent.

  • New Hampshire

    Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen defeated former Sen. John E. Sununu (R) in 2008, but could face him again in 2014. That would mark three races between the two, with Sununu having won the first contest for the U.S. Senate in 2002. Shaheen has little money at the moment and won her last election by 6.5 points. In the swing state of New Hampshire, this might be another close election in two years.

  • New Jersey

    Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) has not indicated whether he will seek reelection, and if he does, he may face a primary battle from Democrats. <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/gallery/NJ_Poll_Menendez_Kyrillos_US_Senate_race_2012.html?viewGallery=y" target="_hplink">In September</a>, 34 percent of New Jersey voters had a favorable impression of the senator, while 29 percent viewed him unfavorably. If Lautenberg retires, might we see a Cory Booker entrance into the contest? Keep an eye on New Jersey -- it could be a fun race to watch.

  • New Mexico

    Tom Udall (D), the junior U.S. senator from New Mexico, won his previous election by more than 20 points. Voters generally approve of the job he's doing, and New Mexico just elected another Democrat to the Senate.

  • North Carolina

    Over $200,000 has already been raised for Sen. Kay Hagan (D) on ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising site. And she will need all the help she can get, as she is considered to be in a tight race in 2014 with mediocre approval ratings in a lean-Republican state.

  • Oklahoma

    In Oklahoma, Sen. Jim Inhofe (R) would most likely retain his seat if he runs in 2014. He's four-for-four in his Senate elections.

  • Oregon

    Sen. Jeff Merkley (D) joins the ranks of Democrats with middling approval numbers who will be defending a seat in 2014. In a <a href="http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_OR_062712.pdf" target="_hplink">June 2012 PPP poll</a>, Merkley trailed Republican Rep. Greg Walden by two points but leads other hypothetical opponents by at least six points. This race might be a surprising one to watch, although Merkley should feel better after a nearly 12-point win by President Barack Obama in early November.

  • Rhode Island

    Rhode Island's entire Washington delegation is Democratic, and Sen. Jack Reed (D) should have an easy time in a 2014 election. He's won his last two contests with over 70 percent of the vote, and his <a href="http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/politics/local_politics/campaign-2012-poll-results-mon-11" target="_hplink">job approval</a> tops 50 percent.

  • South Carolina

    Only 29 percent of South Carolina voters think Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) is too liberal, but he may face a primary fight from the right in 2014. Even with mediocre approval numbers, Graham should be able to hang on to his job in a general election -- he won his last race with 58 percent of the vote.

  • South Dakota

    South Dakota could provide an exciting election come 2014. If he runs, current Sen. Tim Johnson's (D) most likely opponent at this point is former Gov. Mike Rounds (R), who has officially announced his candidacy. Rep. Kristi Noem (R) has also been noted as a possible contender. This seat could flip from left to right, but South Dakota voters are willing to keep it Democratic with a favorable candidate.

  • Tennessee

    Like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the senior senator from Tennessee Lamar Alexander (R) is expected to face a primary fight <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/09/28/tea-party-activists-plan-2014-targets/" target="_hplink">from Tea Party activists</a>. Whichever Republican makes it out of that contest is the safe bet to win the general election. Tennessee hasn't elected a Democratic nominee since 1990, when the state chose Al Gore.

  • Texas

    Texas is expected to stay Republican in 2014 when incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R) will be up for reelection. He was recently elected the Senate minority whip, placing him behind only Sen. Mitch McConnell in leadership for the Republicans. Cornyn doesn't have the highest approval ratings, but it would come as a surprise if a Democrat took this seat. Sen.-elect Ted Cruz (R) just won the state by 16 points.

  • Virginia

    Sixty percent of Virginia voters <a href="http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-centers/polling-institute/virginia/release-detail?ReleaseID=1813" target="_hplink">approve</a> of the job Sen. Mark Warner (D) is doing in the Senate, and 58 percent view him favorably. He would face a challenging fight in 2014, but even in swing state Virginia, expect Warner to be an elected official for years to come -- he's also been mentioned as a possible 2016 presidential candidate.

  • West Virginia

    West Virginia should provide an intriguing race in 2014. In a poll from last year, Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D) trailed Rep. Shelley Capito (R) by 4 percentage points. A plurality of voters, however, <a href="http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WV_1006.pdf" target="_hplink">approve</a> of the job he's doing, and Rockefeller has name recognition. Even if he doesn't retire, the race should be competitive, as West Virginia is becoming more favorable to the GOP.

  • Wyoming

    Wyoming hasn't elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in over forty years. Sen. Mike Enzi's (R) only competitive opposition, then, might come <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/08/liz-cheney-senate-mike-enzi-wyoming_n_1500743.html" target="_hplink">from</a> Liz Cheney, the former vice president's daughter. That would mean a primary challenge if Enzi runs, with Cheney drawing national attention to the race.