Five US Senate seats currently under Democratic control and three held by Republicans are the focus of spirited campaigns, according to the Associated Press. This means that whatever funds are in the coffers of the candidates is likely to be augmented by out-of-state sources. Each party in each wing of Congress has a well-funded organization in place to provide help where needed.

Here's the locations of still-competitive races.

Alaska: Sen. Lisa Murkowski is the Republican incumbent, but was never elected - - she was appointed to the seat by her governor father. Former governor Tony Knowles is challenging for the Democrats.

Colorado: Republican Ben Nighthorse Campbell is retiring. The Republicans have Pete Coors running against Ken Salazar.

Florida: Democrat Bob Graham is retiring. Republican Mel Martinez is facing Democrat Betty Castor.

Louisiana, where Democrat John Breaux is retiring. The 11/2/04 election here is actually run as a primary. If no candidate receives a majority vote, there will be a run-off 12/4/04. The leading Republican candidate is said to be US Rep. David Vitter. Democrats include another US Rep, Chris John, and state treasurer John Kennedy.

North Carolina: Democrat John Edwards is running for a different office. Dems have Erskine Bowles, who lost to Elizabeth Dole last time, running against US Rep. Richard Burr.

Oklahoma: Republican Don Nickles is retiring. Current Democratic US Rep. Brad Carson is facing off against former Republican US Rep. Tom Coburn.

South Carolina: Democrat Ernest Hollings is retiring. US Rep. Jim DeMint is the Republican, taking on ed-super Inez Tennenbaum.

South Dakota: Senate Democratic Minority Leader Tom Daschle is fighting to hold his seat against former US Rep. John Thune.