Republican Gov. Sam Brownback (left) listens while his Democratic challenger Paul Davis answers a question during their first debate at the Kansas State Fair. Charlie Riedel/AP hide caption
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul says the U.S. has "gone too far in thinking we can re-create an American democratic paradise in the Middle East." LM Otero/AP hide caption
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada (left) talks with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. The two Senate leaders were on opposite sides of a proposed constitutional amendment to limit fundraising and spending in campaign politics. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Boehner says Congress stands ready to work with the president on the threat from Islamic State militants. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption
Abortion rights supporters protested at the Missouri Capitol last week in Jefferson City. Jeff Roberson/AP hide caption
President Obama delivers a prime-time address from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday. He pledged to lead a broad coalition against the Islamic State insurgents and vowed to target the terrorist group with airstrikes "wherever they exist." Saul Loeb/DPA/Landov hide caption
President Obama addresses the nation from Cross Hall in the White House on Wednesday. Opening a new military front in the Middle East, Obama authorized U.S. airstrikes inside Syria for the first time, along with expanded strikes in Iraq as part of a broad mission to root out violent Islamic State militants. Saul Loeb/AP hide caption
President Barack Obama addresses the nation from White House on Sept. 10, 2014. Saul Loeb/AP hide caption
President Obama delivers a prime-time address from the White House on Wednesday about his plan for fighting the Islamic State. Saul Loeb/Getty Images hide caption
Sen. Rand Paul meets with local Republicans in Hiawatha, Iowa. He's made three trips to the state this year. Charlie Neibergall/AP hide caption
Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial candidate Martha Coakley celebrates with supporters as she claims victory in the primary election Tuesday in Boston. Elise Amendola/AP hide caption
Campaign ad still from Arkansas congressional candidate Jackie McPherson. YouTube hide caption
Rhode Island Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Raimondo waves as she takes the stage to address supporters during a primary election night watch party Tuesday in Pawtucket. Steven Senne/AP hide caption
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs in to cast his vote during the primary election Tuesday at the Presbyterian Church of Mount Kisco in Mount Kisco, N.Y. Craig Ruttle/AP hide caption