WASHINGTON (AP) — A year ago, analysts thought Republicans would be able to take over the Senate since they are defending only ten seats and the Democrats 23.
But a series of verbal missteps by GOP candidates in some states and tougher than expected races in others now have analysts predicting that Democrats will retain control.
In the House Democrats need to pick up 25 seats to take control from the GOP.
With only about 60 House races that are truly competitive, analysts expect Democrats will gain ground, but will fall short of that magic number.
There are several House races where two incumbents, in some cases from the same party, are facing each other in a contest that was caused by redistricting.
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%@AP Links
045-c-22-(Mark Smith, AP White House correspondent)-"and other minorities"-AP White House Correspondent Mark Smith reports there has been lots of legal skirmishing over voter I.D. laws, and Democrats have won the early rounds. (1 Nov 2012)
<<CUT *045 (11/01/12)>> 00:22 "and other minorities"
069-a-12-(Professor James Thurber, American University, in AP interview)-"going to vote"-American University Professor James Thurber says voter I.D. laws unquestionably work to the GOP's advantage. (1 Nov 2012)
<<CUT *069 (11/01/12)>> 00:12 "going to vote"
044-w-35-(Mark Smith, AP White House correspondent, with Professor James Thurber, American University)--With 5 days to go and a neck-and-neck race, the Obama and Romney campaigns are debating the impact of new laws on who can vote -- and when. AP White House Correspondent Mark Smith reports. (1 Nov 2012)
<<CUT *044 (11/01/12)>> 00:35
068-a-15-(Professor James Thurber, American University, in AP interview)-"be a factor (second reference)"-American University Professor James Thurber says GOP efforts to require voter I.D. could have an impact in some states. (1 Nov 2012)
<<CUT *068 (11/01/12)>> 00:15 "be a factor (second reference)"
070-a-07-(Professor James Thurber, American University, in AP interview)-"quite a while"-American University Professor James Thurber says the issue of voter I.D. laws is still being thrashed out in the courts. (1 Nov 2012)
<<CUT *070 (11/01/12)>> 00:07 "quite a while"
