Stars and Stripes reports that “it may not be on the ballot, but this midterm election will decide who leads one of Congress’ most important military committees.”  

“If the polling holds, the Senate will be welcoming John McCain as the new Armed Services chairman come January, along with the experience and political fireworks he is likely to bring to the dais.”  

“The powerful committee births U.S. military laws and defense budgets on Capitol Hill and is set for new leadership with the retirement of Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich. The party that takes control of the chamber in the midterms will also hand the Armed Services gavel to their most senior member on the committee, either McCain or Rhode Island Democrat Jack Reed.”