Democratic candidates are ahead in two, hold a narrow edge in a third and are tied in a fourth, new polling shows. The seats embody the fights playing out nationwide in the midterms.

© Jillian Vordick/The New York Times

Some G.O.P. members of Congress said that broadcasting the execution of the Fort Hood shooter was inappropriate, though others gleefully applauded it.

© Nicole Bengiveno/The New York Times