The list of GOP races where the incumbent either 1) retired and is not seeking re-election, or 2) is in serious trouble of being defeated by a Democrat in November is a pretty long list.

But not all hope is lost and things aren’t quite a dark as they seem.

The Politico points to five races where it looks very likely that the GOP might pick up 5 seats against incumbent Dems. These races are:

• Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (N.H.) — recent polling already has her trailing Bradley 45 percent to 39 percent.

• Rep. Nancy Boyda (Kan.) — she’s the chick who walked out of a Committe hearing during retired Army Gen. Jack Keane’s testimony after he suggested that the surge was showing signs of success. She’s the rep for the district that includes Ft. Riley. The First Infantry Division (which I served in). Her disrespect for the General will not be taken lightly. NOr will her poor judgment (much like Obama’s) on the success of the surge.

• Rep. Don Cazayoux (La.) — another local Dem, who is black, is running as an independent. Which would likely siphon off a bunch of the black vote. Which is crucial to Dems getting elected.

• Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski (Pa.) — if you remember, he’s the Dem who frankly admitted that Dems lied about their sincerity to end the war; he basically said Dems intentionally lied and misled in order to get elected.

• Rep. Nick Lampson (Texas) — the guy was living on borrowed time the moment he was elected. HD 22, Tom Delay’s district, is one of the most Conservative districts in the United States. He just so happened to get elected when the State GOP party fell asleep and didn’t put a challenger on the ballot. His new opponent though, Pete Olson, is going to wipe the floor with Lampson. Look for a 20-25 point victory in this race come November.