This essential supplement draws on the most recent National Election Study surveys to offer a close analysis of the key issues and races, and answers the question, "What do the election results mean?"  It examines

• the outcome of the battle for control of the Senate, including races in Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, and Alaska;
• the role of independents in elections, particularly in this era of partisan polarization;
• the influence of record campaign spending on election outcomes; and
• whether supporting President Obama's major programs helped or hurt members of Congress.