WASHINGTON - September 6, 2010 - In a shift of political fortunes that seemed unimaginable even recently, Republicans now have a long-shot chance to take control of the Senate, bolstering their ranks with outsider candidates who would probably shake up the chamber.
Energized conservative Tea Party voters and a sour national mood have proved lethal to incumbents and once-safe Democrats. So in addition to taking control of the House, which a growing number of national experts expect, Republicans also could gain in the November election the 10 seats needed for a narrow majority in the Senate.
Even if Republicans fall short of winning the Senate, the political wave seems likely to deliver several conservative outsiders whose hot-button proposals and campaign talk about phasing out Social Security probably would present an operational challenge for Senate leaders in both parties.
