Polls: Republicans lead in 5 key Senate races

The Hill reports:

Republicans have leads in five key Senate races, according to new polling conducted for the GOP-aligned group American Crossroads.

The automated surveys from Harper Polling find Sens. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) trailing GOP opponents, as well as Republicans holding leads in Democratic-held open seats in Montana and Michigan. Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) is tied with her most likely opponent, while Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) has a lead in her race.

Partisan polling is typically taken with a grain of salt. That said, these polls show President Obama's weak standing is a major problem for Democrats in these red and swing states — and that Republicans have a strong shot at winning the net of six seats they need to take back the Senate.