Research Paper on:
House and Senate Battle in the 2002 Election

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
comprises the nations people. That both the House and the Senate were caught in the midst of an unprecedented struggle between Republican and Democratic designation speaks volumes regarding the  modified political landscape United States citizens have recently adopted. II. OVERVIEW The battle for control over the House and Senate made historic the quest for Election 2002; not only  were incumbents losing to newcomers, but a longtime respected name throughout the political world was defeated in what many believed to be one of the most shocking outcomes of the  entire race. The buzz around the nation reflected a potential change in the House and Senate that would cause historians to rewrite the outcome expected to take place prior  to fourteen months ago. Indeed, the extent to which September 11th played a significant role in this tremendous political upheaval has more than just a few wondering what such  a change will now mean for the nations safety. Election night was awash with speculation from both camps; what was at stake was both monumental and historic. Pertinent to  its outcome were five specific elements: control, presidential pride, watching the numbers, questions/charges and late news. Obtaining control of the House and Senate meant everything to both parties but  was particularly important to the Democrats, whose majority hung "by a frayed thread"1 amidst a balanced chamber that had not existed in such a way since 1956. Senator Paul  Wellstones death created a gaping void that left an even split between Republicans and Democrats (forty-nine apiece), along with a single Independent whose tendency was toward the Democrats. The  House, however, boasted a Republican majority, which was sturdily in place since President Clintons first midterm election. Nonetheless, the margin was uncomfortably slim with seven seats, "a balance closeness