1.   Republicans captured two open Senate seats that had been held by Democrats.

2.   Republicans defeated two incumbents and won eight open Democratic seats, four in the South.

3.   San Marcos then held a special election to fill the open seat, for which Thibadeau campaigned and lost.

4.   Also on Tuesday, in Nevada, former Rep. John Ensign easily won the Republican primary for an open Senate seat.

5.   Also, an expected takeover of an open seat in Kentucky by Rep. Jim Bunning, a Republican, has become a toss-up.

6.   Although open seats with no incumbent running will receive a higher priority, Moore is believed to be one of the most vulnerable Democratic freshmen in the country.

7.   Among Republicans, Sen. Craig Thomas of Wyoming decided against running for the open seat for governor in his state, also citing the attacks.

8.   An unusually small number of retirements from Congress means there are few open seats where an energetic but underfinanced newcomer might have a chance.

9.   And it sets up what now will be an interesting battle for an open seat that Republicans would ordinarily count as a sure thing.

10.   Another open seat was taken for the Republicans by Wes Watkins in Oklahoma.