archive

November 7, 2012 The battle for the Senate was a proving ground for the new Citizens United politics. Outside groups unleashed heavily funded barrages of attack ads meant to help elect candidates while letting them keep their distance from the nastiness. In Ohio and Virginia, the tactic failed in rather dramatic ways.

Summary

November 6, 2012 Republican Senate candidates Linda McMahon in Connecticut and Tom Smith in Pennsylvania spent a combined $56 million of their own money in losing efforts.

Summary

November 6, 2012 Election Day brought the usual reports of malfunctioning voting machines, and voting-rights lawyers said they received reports from Pennsylvania that some residents were erroneously being told they needed photo ID. But even in battleground states, there were few reports of major problems by late evening.

Summary

November 6, 2012 Republicans need a net gain of just three or four seats to take over the Senate and — assuming they keep the House — consolidate influence on Capitol Hill. Despite the favorable election arithmetic, Republicans are foundering in several key Senate races and face an uphill battle.

Summary

• GUIDE: An Election Day Timeline
• GOVERNORS: GOP Eyes Gains As Voters In 11 States Pick