GOP Has Renewed Hope for Senate Control

GOP hopes of controlling both houses of Congress are on the rise again with key races for the Senate tightening. The GOP needs to pick up four seats if President Barack Obama is elected and just three if GOP challenger Mitt Romney prevails, The Washington Post reported.

Two Senate races in Virginia and Wisconsin are essentially tied and GOP candidates are gaining in in Ohio, Florida, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. However, Richard Mourdock’s comments about rape in Indiana could throw a monkey wrench into GOP plans and Republicans have little margin for error.

However, Romney’s recent uptick in the polls could help GOP candidates down ticket.

“A rising tide lifts all boats — and the converse is true too,” Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said according to the Post. “The more likely scenario is that if Mitt Romney wins, we will take control narrowly.”