The issues cover everything from health care to hogs. There is even a cameo role for the District of Columbia, which has been at sword's point with Faircloth since he became its Senate overseer last year. Senate hopeful John Edwards at his campaign headquarters after winning the May 5 Democratic Primary.
History argues for a suspenseful outcome.
Even the candidates cannot agree on what the race is about. Republicans dispute his assessment but concede that the race looks tight. Given the apparent closeness of the race, both parties are giving it top-priority billing. While GOP control of the Senate is not in jeopardy, Republicans are looking to add to their 55 to 45 majority rather than lose ground and run the risk of a serious Democratic takeover bid in two years. For the Democrats, every seat gained is one step closer to eventual control.