This conference will examine recent analysis by Gautam Gowrisankaran on the overwhelming historical success of U.S. Senate incumbents in keeping their seats. Examining several factors that might explain the historical advantages that incumbents enjoy, this work is of particular importance as campaigns begin for the next senatorial elections in 2006. Jason Furman, a special assistant for economic policy in the Clinton administration, John C. Fortier of AEI, and Steven F. Hayward, also of AEI, will  comment.