PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Voters are heading to the polls Tuesday morning, and this election could change control of the United States Senate.
A closely watched race is in Pennsylvania, but it's not just the Senate; it's also the House.
A couple of races in our area are closely watched in Washington, and both can influence who holds power on Capitol Hill.
The United States Senate Democratic incumbent Bob Casey of Scranton was first elected to the Senate 18 years ago and is now the longest-serving democratic senator in Pennsylvania history.
Casey was first elected to the Senate in 2006, and six years ago, he was re-elected again, this time with a victory over former Hazleton mayor and U.S. representative Lou Barletta; that margin was 13 points.
This time, the opponent is Dave McCormick, a Wall Street hedge fund manager. He was born in Pittsburgh and raised in Bloomsburg. McCormick has called Connecticut home for several years.
McCormick was on the ballot before losing the Republican nomination for Senate to Dr. Mehmet Oz two years ago.
Another race receiving considerable attention and spending money on advertising is the contest for the U.S. representative in the eighth congressional district.
That district covers much of the eastern part of the state, including Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.
Democrat Matt Cartwright is going after his seventh term. The Republican opponent is Rob Bresnahan.
Republicans have targeted the Casey seat, hoping a win here in Pennsylvania will give them control of the Senate.