“Nationally and in Virginia, it is jobs, jobs, jobs. All the candidates want to say that their party has a recipe for bringing back jobs,” said Wallach.

One third of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate are being contested. Republicans need to gain four to take control.

Once confident of victory, Republican candidates like Todd Akin of Missouri and Richard Mourdock of Indiana have hurt their own chances by making widely-criticized comments on rape and abortion.

Some Democrats, meanwhile, have run stronger-than-expected campaigns. In Massachusetts, polls currently favor Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren over Republican Senator Scott Brown.

In Virginia, polls show an even race between Kaine and Allen.

“It is clearly going to be an election that comes down to the wire,” said Wallach.

Virginia Republicans like retired military officer William Hoffat said they are energized.

“The values of George Allen and the values of Mitt Romney echo with immigrant Americans: hard work and making it in this country,” said Hoffat.

Kaine supporter Sheila Levine said President Barack Obama, if re-elected, will need Democrats to work with in Congress.

“We are so polarized right now, and maybe if we can get some more Democrats in Congress, maybe Obama can get something done,” said Levine.

Kaine is pledging to work with members of both parties, to find common ground he has said is missing in Washington. Allen said this race could well decide the balance of power in the Senate.