What To Watch For During Midterm Elections
Delaware Senate Race:
Of the races in the region, this race has drawn the most national attention, turning the First State into a political arena, perhaps with enough influence to decide who controls the Senate.
In the final full week of campaigning, both candidates know what is on the line. Democratic candidate Chris Coons made local stops on Sunday, including one at the Newark Halloween Parade, in addition to a recent appearance on ABC's "This Week."
Coons said, "Well, I don't think there's a scenario where the Republicans take control of the United States Senate if I'm successful in this Senate seat. And I've been told that's a strategic concern."
Republican Candidate Christine O'Donnell spent her Sunday morning in Newark, with Medical Professionals for O'Donnell, a group that supports the Tea Party backed candidate.
At the press conference to announce the group's official launch, O'Donnell said, "Whether we're advocating for farmers, for small business owners, or for doctors, we need to roll back the overreaching arm of the federal government that has invaded our daily lives."
Pennsylvania Senate Race:
In the race to replace Sen. Arlen Specter, Republican candidate Pat Toomey took to the airwaves on FOX News in a close race.
"Pennsylvania is a big swing state, and we expected this would be close," said Toomey. "It's close now, but I feel great about where we are. We're going to finish strong and we're going to win the race."
In their last debate, Toomey and Democratic candidate Joe Sestak traded barbs as often as they argued points. This race has become personal as well as political.
"During the Bush-Toomey era, zero jobs were created. As compared to the eight years during the Clinton administration where I worked, 23 million jobs were created," said Sestak.
"That's the fact."
Pennsylvania Governor's Race:
Republican Tom Corbett, the state's Attorney General, has had a comfortable lead in the polls for most of the race. But as Election Day gets closer, the lead has narrowed to single digits.
In their debate last week, Corbett promised to jump start job creation and the state's economy, saying, "We have to crate the climate for the private sector to grow. And you can't create the private sector climate for it to grow when your taxes are the 11th worst burden in the nation, and job creation is 47th."
Democrat Dan Onorato, the Allegheny County Executive, blamed the sluggish economy on the past administration, and cited the success of his own county, promising to bring his practices to the entire state. Onorato said, "While we've lost jobs like every other county because of the Republican and Bush administration, Allegany County has weathered the storm much better. Our unemployment level is well below the state level, and well below the federal numbers.
With less than ten days until the elections, candidates will have to make the most of their time and their campaigning to make sure they have the lead when it counts when the polls close.
Reported By: Oren Liebermann, CBS 3
