Senate control still up in the air as Democrats shift focus to Medicare, other popular programs

The strategy being employed by Democrats -- to nationalize the election by highlighting popular programs such as Medicare and Social Security as well as issues that resonate with younger voters -- is a regular approach during midterm elections. Meanwhile, in Virginia, Senate candidate Ed Gillespie promises to disclose specifics of his plans to replace the health law. 

Los Angeles Times: As Election Nears, Control Of Senate Looks Surprisingly Uncertain
Democrats have tried to shift the focus from a debate over big government, embodied by the unpopular national healthcare law, to the merits of popular programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, and issues that are especially resonant to minorities, young people and single women. All are Democratic-leaning voter groups that tend to sit out midterm elections. … That tactic -; one party trying to nationalize the election, the other trying to make contests more localized and issue-specific -; is also typical of midterm elections (Barabak and Mascaro, 9/29).

Richmond Times-Dispatch: Gillespie Backs Debate, Vote On Use Of Force Against ISIL
During an interview about five weeks before the election, [Virginia Senate candidate Ed] Gillespie also said he soon will disclose more specific proposals to replace the Affordable Care Act and to reform entitlement programs in order to preserve Social Security and Medicare for future generations (Cain, 9/29).