Democrats bail on Kentucky, pump money into long-shot Senate races in Georgia, South Dakota

Prospects for Democrats appear to be fading in several close Senate races, which could put Republicans on track to gain the six seats they need for a Senate majority. And now, just weeks shy of the midterm elections, Democrats are shifting their focus away from states like Kentucky — where Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell seems primed to prevail over struggling Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes — and opening their wallets in more longshot states, including Georgia and South Dakota, The Wall Street Journal reports.

"The only way the Democrats hold the Senate is if they pull off surprises," Democratic political consultant Peter Fenn told WSJ.

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Lauren Hansen produces The Weekâ€™s podcasts and videos and edits the photo blog, Captured. She also manages the production of the magazine's iPad app. A graduate of Kenyon College and Northwestern University, she previously worked at the BBC and Frontline. She knows a thing or two about pretty pictures and cute puppies, both of which she tweets about @mylaurenhansen.