Updates to this edition include coverage of:

* the difference between the 2008 and 2010 electorates;

* the dominance of the economy in both races and their outcomes;

* the impact of unified party government on nationalizing elections;

* the virtual elimination of "cross-pressured" congressional districts; * the magnitude of campaign spending and its consequences;

* the role of the Tea Party movement; and

* the outlook for the 2012 elections - and likely presidential candidates.

As with all books in the Change and Continuity series, the authors present election data in a straightforward, accessible manner with an array of thorough, yet student-friendly graphics.