Top 15 House and Senate Races to Watch

Obama and McCain may dominate the headlines, but the fall congressional campaign is shaping up to be a high-stakes, high-intensity battle for control of Capitol Hill. Time.com spotlights some of the crucial races to watch in the months ahead.

California, 11th District

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Jerry McNerney, left, and Dean Andal

l. to r.: Haraz N. Ghanbari / AP; Rich Pedroncelli / AP

Democrat: Jerry McNerney (Incumbent)

Republican: Dean Andal (former State Assemblyman)

The battle in this northwestern district near the California coast, where Republicans have a slight edge in registered voters, is shaping up to be one of the hottest in the nation. McNerney toppled GOP goliath Richard W. Pombo in 2006, after the then-House Resources Committee chair was attacked for questionable ethics and efforts to weaken environmental regulations. This time around McNerney will get a boost from his incumbency, but Andal has the will and the wallets of the state's Republican leaders on his side.

2004 Presidential Vote: 53.92% Bush, 45.26% Kerry

-James Downie and Marti Covington/Washington

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