Democratic power at risk

US: After a long and bitter campaign, Americans cast their votes on Tuesday in elections that could sweep Democrats from power in Congress and slam the brakes on President Barack Obama's legislative agenda.

Anxiety over the stumbling economy and discontent with Obama and government in Washington have propelled Republicans to the threshold of huge gains that could give them a majority in the House of Representatives and perhaps even the Senate.

Opinion polls and independent analysts project Republican gains of at least 50 House seats, far more than the 39 they need to take control and topple Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from power.

Republicans are also expected to make big gains in the Senate, although it appears more difficult - but not impossible - for them to pick up the 10 seats they need for a majority.

All 435 House seats, 37 Senate seats and 37 state governorships are at stake in Tuesday's voting. Many states have been conducting early and mail-in voting for weeks.

Dozens of races are considered too close to call.

Candidates in both parties launched a frenetic round of last-minute campaign stops and fundraising appeals on Monday.

In perhaps the country's most high-profile race, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid is embroiled in a neck-and-neck re-election fight with Republican Sharron Angle. Former President Bill Clinton campaigned in West Virginia for Democratic Senate candidate Joe Manchin.

Republicans need to string together wins in seven of eight tight races in California, Washington, Nevada, Wisconsin, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois and West Virginia to win a Senate majority.

Washington, Tuesday, Reuters