With nearly a full two years until the next election, the idea that Democrats are pre-ordained to lose at least four Senate seats, costing them their majority, is already gaining broad traction with both Democratic senators like Claire McCaskill and writers like Ed Kilgore. The dynamics of the 2012 Senate elections don’t favor Democrats inherently: they are defending 23 seats while Republicans defend only ten. However, there is no reason to believe the majority is lost so far out from the election. The relative number of each party’s seats that is to be contested is less important than the national political climate.

Welcome to part one of FDL midterm election night liveblog. For the most recent list of FDL top 108 House races to watch tonight go here.

During this live blog polls will be closing 6 pm in parts of IN and KY, at 7pm in FL, GA, SC, VA, VT and at 7:30 in NC, OH and WV.

There has been an unsavory blending of the private interests of corporations and financial institutions with the power and hand of the US government that has created a new breed of robber barons that will prove the downfall of the American society and empire if left unchecked.