WASHINGTON – Democratic and Republican party leaders put on their best game faces Monday, making 11th hour arguments on the eve of midterm elections that seem certain to curb if not end Democratic control of Congress.

"We're hoping now for a fresh start with the American people," said GOP chairman Michael Steele. "If we don't live up to those expectations, then we'll have a problem in two years".

His Democratic counterpart, Tim Kaine, said he believes Democrats will do better than some experts have contended, arguing that Republicans have been obstructionists who "can't see beyond the end of their no"...