The 10 Most Important Primaries

The 2010 primaries will see the GOP repairing its identity and soul-searching among Democrats. The 10 most important races, according to Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post:

1. Texas governor, R: Rick Perry is running for an unprecedented third term, and voters seem to approve. But Kay Bailey Hutchison is a popular, crafty, and well-funded opponent.
2. Florida Senate, R: The looming battle between Gov. Charlie Crist and former state House Speaker Marco Rubio is being closely watched as a bellwether of the rift between GOP moderates and the insurgent Tea Party movement.

3. Pennsylvania Senate, D: Conventional wisdom holds that Arlen Specter changed parties at least in part because he thought he had better chances as a Democrat—but in order to reap that reward he'll have to beat Rep. Joe Sestak.
4. Nevada Senate, R: The battle to challenge Harry Reid "has taken on a circus-like feel"—candidates include Sue Lowden, a former Miss New Jersey; Danny Tarkanian, the son of basketball coach Jerry; and John Chachas, a businessman with loads of cash to burn.

Click here to see the complete list.
(More Senate stories.)