All 170 S.C. state senators and representatives are up for election in November 2004.

In the House, Republicans hold a 73-51 advantage, the largest GOP majority in history, boasts House Majority Leader Rick Quinn, R-Richland.

Republicans hold a 26-20 margin in the Senate.

House members face re-election every two years; senators face voters every four years.

Democrats are unlikely to mount a serious challenge to the GOP control of the House. The majority of House races go uncontested and districts have been drawn in ways that encourage incumbency.

While also true in the Senate, several open seats leave Republicans vulnerable. With Sen. Warren Giese, R-Richland, retiring, Democrats have a chance to pick up a seat. Democrats also are expected to mount a challenge against Sen. Billy O’Dell of Abbeville, who switched parties, joining the GOP, in September.

But Democrats could be vulnerable in District 27, where a special election will be held in February to replace the late Sen. Don Holland, D-Kershaw, who died in October.