Lights, action, midterms!

Midterm elections are like midterm exams, seemingly less important as finals but packed with a particular punch. This year a handful of Senate races could tip the balance of power in Congress, several states could elect their first female governor, and controversial ballot issues are expected to help drive voters to the polls. In addition, all 435 House of Representatives are up for re-election.

First, a refresher
Of the 100 senators in Congress, about one-third of them are up for re-election on Tuesday. Winners serve six-year terms. Currently there are 55 Republican senators, 44 Democrats and one independent from Vermont. (See breakdown by state.)

To tip the power back in their favor in the Senate, Democrats have to win six seats. A recent CNN poll shows states with the closest election battles in Missouri, Tennessee, New Jersey and Ohio.

In the House, Democrats occupy 201 seats versus 230 Republican seats, and could take control by winning 15 seats.

A roundup
Thirty-six states will vote for a governor, and a woman could take the helm in Nevada, Illinois and Alaska for the first time in those states.

In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is favored to win that spot again, but the big-ticket fight there is over Proposition 87, a ballot initiative to tax big oil companies $4 billion over 10 years to fund alternative energy research.

And while polls show Iraq at the top of voter’s list of issues overall, other state initiatives are taking focus. There's an abortion ban up for a vote in South Dakota (see previous WeeklyDIVA), the boiling stem cell debate in Missouri, and same-sex marriage consideration in Wisconsin and South Dakota.

The big picture
The outcome of these mid-terms could set the tone for the next presidential election, just two years away. And even if the Republicans maintain control of both houses, you’re still likely to see a shift in Congress.