Two Senate general election races were set last night in Kentucky and Oregon, where two Republican incumbents will face competitive Democratic challengers.

In Oregon, State House Speaker Jeff Merkley defeated Steve Novick, an attorney and activist, and will now take on GOP Sen. Gordon Smith. The Democratic primary was much closer than observers expected when the race started. Smith begins the general with a huge fundraising advantage, with close to $5 million on hand to Merkley's $150,000, according to FEC reports at the end of April.

In Kentucky, wealthy businessman Bruce Lunsford defeated fellow entrepreneur Greg Fischer 59%-41%. Lunsford now faces Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in the general. Like his Senate colleague, McConnell holds a large fundraising advantage over his Democratic opponent. However, Lunsford's personal coffers could allow him to partially fund his campaign, if necessary.

National Democrats are targeting both states in their quest for 60 Senate seats, the requisite number to give Democrats a filibuster-proof majority.