All DC Decoder
- Midterm elections results: Why Republicans crushed Democrats
The Democrats had no compelling message to counter the Republicans' anti-Obama outcry. And the Democrats' vaunted turnout operation fizzled.
- How gun rights for ‘restless natives’ became a stealth battle in Election 2014
The midterm elections feature a highly funded clash over gun rights, with gun-control groups, for the first time, matching the NRA in support for candidates who back their views.
- Catchiest campaign ads of 2014: nine pitches that made an impression What do Barry Manilow, skeet shooting, and driving a car in reverse have to do with the 2014 US elections? Well, this campaign season had no shortage of interesting TV ads – including ones with the motifs just mentioned. Here’s an election-season recap through the lens of ads that have had an influence on voters.
- What will happen on Election Day? 5 scenarios for the Senate.
There are so many tossup races and so many variables still in play for the Senate on Election Day, that anything is possible, from an outright Republican takeover to a 50-50 split.
- How can Congress fix itself? It should stop trying to fix itself.
Congress has tried to reform itself in the past, usually with good intentions. But few are impressed with the results. That speaks to a need to acknowledge how Congress works.
- Will Republican wave hit Senate on Election Day? History offers clues.
Tossup races tend to tilt in one direction on Election Day, an expert notes. There are 10 Senate tossup races Tuesday, and late polling is trending toward Republicans.
- Did 'tea party' governors go too far? Voters are about to weigh in.
In an election that looks promising for Republicans in Congress and state legislatures, a number of Republican governors could lose.
- Senate elections 101: The big Kansas issue Pat Roberts isn't talking about
Agriculture is Kansas’s bread-and-butter issue, literally. But Sen. Pat Roberts (R) – potential chair of the Agriculture Committee – is barely talking about it.
- Senate elections 101: N.H. shapes up as carpetbagger vs. rubber stamp
New Hampshire's Senate candidates, Republican Scott Brown and incumbent Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, have defined each other clearly.
- Senate elections 101: In remote Alaska, remotest places could be crucial
To fend off his Republican challenger, Democratic Alaska Sen. Mark Begich is depending on rural voters and rural issues.
- Senate elections 101: Arkansas considers ending its blue-state legacy
Arkansas was the last blue bastion in the South. Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor's campaign rests on getting voters to think locally instead of nationally.