Republicans Target Key Races In Tennessee In Search Of Majority

While the national race appears to be the main attraction locally, several races in other parts of the state could decide the fate of Tennessee's General Assembly.

Republicans lack four seats from gaining a majority in the House and need to pick-up one to keep control of the Senate.

Party leaders remain hopeful John McCain's showing in Tennessee will rub off on candidates in tight races.  Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey says "the old political theory is that if you have a 15 point lead at the top of the ticket, there are some coat tails involved and obviously if he's in the lead by 25 points it way past coattails, its actually a rope dragging you along with him."

The Lt. Gov. says this election will decide who controls reapportionment after the 2010 census, and which party gets majority on county election commissions.