Republicans aiming to seize control of the U.S. Senate face a challenge in their crowded field of primary candidates in some states. It’s a hazard of the party’s own making.

A majority of Democrats crossed party lines Tuesday as the state Senate gave overwhelming approval to two redistricting maps that critics say protects incumbents despite new standards intended to increase political competition. Seven Democrats joined 28 Republicans as the Senate approved its state Senate and congressional maps by a 34-6 vote. One Republican, Sen. Paula Dockery of Lakeland, voted ...

PAUL DAVENPORT Associated Press PHOENIX The Arizona Senate Ethics Committee on Friday resumed its hearing on whether Republican Sen. Scott Bundgaard, of Peoria, should be disciplined for a February domestic incident involving an ex-girlfriend. Bundgaard's lawyers are expected to call him to testify after the prosecution finishes its case. The hearing could result in a recommendation to the ...

CONCORD – Pitting former Senate President Sylvia Larsen, D-Concord, against a freshman Republican and the creation of a new district in Strafford County highlight sweeping changes in a proposed reworking of the 24 state Senate districts released Thursday. The redistricting plan gives an even stronger GOP flavor to the incumbent seats held by Senate President Peter Bragdon of Milford, Hollis Sen ...

(Reuters) - Democratic Senator Ben Nelson will retire next year, news reports said on Tuesday, dealing a significant blow to his party's hopes of keeping control of the Senate after the November 2012 elections. Nelson's decision not to seek re-election makes his seat in heavily Republican Nebraska a strong contender to be a gain for Republicans next year, boosting their hopes of wresting control ...