The most widely-watched contests in our region appear to be those for several State Senate seats — and for good reason. They may determine which party controls the Senate, and as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, control much more.

[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/11-08-State-Senate-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=11-08 State Senate Wrap1-WEB]Right now, Democrats hold a 22 to 18 edge in the Senate. If they lose two seats, Republican Lieutentant Governor Bill Bolling serves as tiebreaker; a net loss of three or more, and Republicans hold a majority. The GOP is expected to maintain its strong edge in the House of Delegates, so the race between John Edwards and Dave Nutter and that between Roscoe Reynolds and Bill Stanley may play key roles in determining whether power remains split between the two bodies or whether Republicans gain a firm control of Virginia public policy for the next two years.