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Democrats rally behind their 'mom in tennis shoes,' Sen. Patty Murray

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington is facing a strong challenge from GOP candidate Dino Rossi. Top Democrats from Michelle Obama to former President Bill Clinton have vowed to help.
For second Boxer-Fiorina debate, most of the pressure is off

California Senate candidates go head to head – but not face to face – Wednesday in their second debate. For the radio-only event, Carly Fiorina will be in L.A. Barbara Boxer will be in a D.C. studio.
Lisa Murkowski’s lonely Alaska fight against the tea party

Is Lisa Murkowski becoming her own kind of 'mama grizzly' in Alaska? Or is her decision to fight the tea party as a write-in US Senate candidate a lost cause?
Could Christine O’Donnell actually win in November?

Democrats dismiss 'tea party' favorite Christine O’Donnell, now the GOP Senate nominee, at their peril, say Delaware political observers.
Will GOP leaders take up 'Christine O'Donnell for Senate'?

In a stinging loss for the GOP, Michael Castle lost to Christine O'Donnell in Senate primary race. Now, state Republicans face a common problem in this primary election season: reconciling with a 'tea party'-backed candidate for the general election.
Could Mike Castle be part of a new Republican middle?

Ultra-conservative 'tea party' candidates have gotten most of the attention this election cycle. But Mike Castle of Delaware is one of several moderate conservatives who could also win this fall.
Joe Sestak distances himself from Democrats in close Senate race

The biggest problems for Rep. Joe Sestak, a Pennsylvania Democrat running for US Senate, might be that he is a Democrat and a member of Congress, analysts say. National polls show Americans turning against both, and Sestak's race is local proof.
'Tea party' on a roll: Can Christine O'Donnell win in Delaware?

After toppling moderate Sen. Lisa Murkowski in Alaska, the 'tea party' it setting its sights on Delaware. Tea party favorite Christine O'Donnell is challenging moderate US Rep. Mike Castle in this month's GOP US Senate primary.
Boxer-Fiorina debate: California economy is center stage

Boxer-Fiorna debate was gaffe-free but too scripted, analysts say. Sen. Barbara Boxer and GOP challenger Carly Fiorina faced off Wednesday night, drawing sharp distinctions between them.
Lisa Murkowski of Alaska bows out, is seventh losing incumbent

Lisa Murkowski of Alaska concedes to Joe Miller in Alaska's Aug. 24 primary. Lisa Murkowski joins six other congressional incumbents who lost in their party's primaries.
Sarah Palin endorsement: Did her support for Lisa Murkowski's rival matter?

Sarah Palin endorsed Joe Miller, a 'tea party' candidate expected to lose by a wide margin, in Alaska's GOP Senate primary. But Miller has a slight lead as absentee ballots flow in. Just how influential is Sarah Palin?
Five Senate races to watch

The political turmoil of 2010 has led to a number of close Senate races, with control of the upper chamber possibly in the balance. Here are five of the closest, most interesting, hardest-fought Senate races of this election cycle.
Senate races 101: Is the Democratic majority in jeopardy?

Republicans are almost sure to pick up seats after the 2010 Senate races are over. But they also have an outside shot at retaking the majority in the upper chamber.
Where GOP's Lisa Murkowski went wrong and John McCain went right

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska didn't open her war chest in time, and it may have cost her the GOP primary. Arizona's Sen. John McCain, by contrast, spent early and often.
Arizona primary: Why McCain is set to beat the anti-incumbent backlash

Polls suggest Sen. John McCain is set to win his primary Tuesday. Some voters have been turned off by his attack ads and big spending in the race against J.D. Hayworth. But it has worked.
Why John McCain isn't in more trouble for Arizona Senate primary

Sen. John McCain's record as an immigration reformer doesn't seem to match a state that's taking a hardline stance on illegal immigration. But the senator is managing to fend off a challenge from his right ahead of Tuesday's GOP Senate primary in Arizona.
Carly Fiorina widens lead over Barbara Boxer: All about jobs?

The California Senate race could hinge on perceptions of how Carly Fiorina and Barbara Boxer will approach the economy and job creation.
Is the Senate becoming riper for a Republican takeover?

Surging challenges to two Democratic incumbents – Patty Murray in Washington and Russ Feingold in Wisconsin – are a reason that chances for Republican takeover of the US Senate may be rising in Election 2010.
Michael Bennet faces insurgent uprising in Colorado Senate primary

Polls show both establishment candidates in the Colorado Senate race – Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet and Republican Jane Norton – trailing opponents ahead of Tuesday's primary.