The midterm elections: its showtime: once again, the Democrats and the Republicans wrangle for control.

• Author: Vilbig, Peter
• Position: National

Tom Daschle, the Senate majority leader, was pulling no punches. In the campaign leading up to next week's elections, the nation's highest-ranking Democrat called the Republican record on the U.S. economy "tragic, deplorable, and abysmal." He blamed President George W. Bush and his party for the loss of 2 million jobs, weak economic growth, and a stock market decline unparalleled since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

How did the President respond? He barely mentioned the economy (Republicans say it's weak but poised for strong recovery). Instead he spoke at every opportunity about the war on terrorism and the need to remove Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq. Saddam, he declared, is "a man who hates America, a man who loves to link up with Al Qaeda, a man who is a true threat to America."

The comments offered a glimpse into the election strategies of both parties. Republicans are counting on Bush's high public approval ratings as commander in chief to convince voters to put more Republicans in office. And party leaders have worked hard to keep voters focused on the administration's drive to use military force against Saddam.

Democrats put the fragile U.S. economy front and center to capitalize on voter concerns about jobs, the falling stock market, and corporate scandals--while avoiding a showdown with Bush over Iraq that could make them look soft on national security.

In a few days, the two parties will know whether their strategies have paid off. In the midterm elections--so called because they come midway through a President's term--voters are choosing one third of the Senate, all 435 members of the House, and 36 state Governors. It will also serve as a kind of referendum on the President and his performance in his first two years on the job.

Why is control of the Congress so important? With their current one-vote majority in the Senate, Democrats can't force their own agenda, but they have been able to stymie many of Bush's most cherished presidential goals. With control of Congress, Bush would win room to maneuver in his ongoing battle with Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein without having to worry about congressional criticism.

In addition, many stalled parts of the Bush agenda would be jump-started. Bush would be able to push through his appointments of about 50 new federal judges, now stalled in the Senate because Democrats found the nominees too conservative. Administration goals to reduce environmental and business regulation would get a boost...