Michigan 19 ANN ARBOR, MI (MPRN) -

If a Republican wins control of an empty seat in the state Senate, it could make life more difficult for Democrats trying to gain control of the chamber next year.

The seat was vacated by Democratic Congressman Mark Schauer a year ago. If Republican candidate Mike Nofs wins the state Senate seat tonight, Democrats would need to win four seats in 2010 to be in the majority.

Bill Ballenger is with Inside Michigan Politics. He says Democrats will struggle to hold the Senate seat in this special election.

"It is true that if it's a special election, Republicans tend to turn out in higher percentages than Democrats do in special elections," says Ballenger, "But this seat could either way under almost any circumstances."

Nofs faces Democratic state Representative Marty Griffin in tonight's election. Ballenger says that district is nearly split down the middle with Republican and Democratic voters. © Copyright 2009, MPRN