Eyes on three undecided U.S. Senate races

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- The long election season goes on for three U.S. Senate races and three House of Representatives races, all too close to call since Nov. 4.

The Senate races are particularly important for Democrats and President-elect Barack Obama, USA Today reported Wednesday. After picking up six seats Nov. 4, Democrats will control 57 seats come January, three shy of the filibuster-proof 60. The Democratic tally includes Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

In Georgia, Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss, while garnering more votes than Democratic foe Jim Martin, didn't get the necessary more than 50 percent, triggering a Dec. 2 runoff.

Minnesota election officials will hand-count nearly 3 million votes to determine the Senate race between incumbent Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken. Slightly more than 200 votes separate the two.

And in Alaska, officials were counting the tens of thousands of absentee and mail-in ballots that will decide whether convicted felon Sen. Ted Stevens will return to Washington, USA Today said. The veteran Republican, found guilty of seven felonies related to financial disclosures, led Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich by 3,257 votes as of Tuesday.

Sen. John McCain is to visit Georgia Thursday to campaign for Chambliss and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin also may stump there, USA Today said. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who sought the GOP presidential nomination, donated $5,000 to Coleman as he monitors the mandated Minnesota recount.

While House races were too close to call in Virginia, Ohio and California, Democrats control the House, having padding their 36-seat majority with 20 more seats on Election Day.