Combative races drew voters in large numbers

0 Comments | USA TODAY, November, 2006 | by Brad Heath

Voters showed up in large numbers to decide some of the most contentious races in this year's elections, driving a slight increase in the nation's turnout rate, early figures show. Interest in which party would control Congress and other national issues helped fuel the increases, said Michael McDonald, an assistant political science professor at George Mason University in Virginia.

While close Senate races got the most attention, he said, some House races were voter magnets. "It looks like competition mattered this time," he said. "The twist was that where there were competitive House races, people tuned in to those as well, where normally they don't pay much attention." Nationally, more than 40% of eligible voters cast ballots in Tuesday's elections, Curtis Gans, director...