(CNN) -- Democrats and Republicans woke up this week with a fresh perspective on the midterm elections. To many political observers, the election of Republican Scott Brown is a game changer. He overcame what at one point was a 30-point deficit to defeat Democrat Martha Coakley in a special election to serve out the remainder of the late Ted Kennedy's Senate term. Democrats are trying to calm frustrated voters and make sure that recent losses in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Virginia don't become a national trend. Republicans, still jubilant from last week's win, are hoping to capitalize on the excitement brewing from a refueled base.
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Republicans energized after upset in Massachusetts
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"Republicans have the advantage of strong emotions," expert says
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GOP could hurt chances in midterms if primaries go to more extreme candidates, expert says
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Both parties need to clarify message, show why the other is wrong, psychologist says
"The problems for the @placeholder will be remobilizing the enthusiasm that they had in 2008, and I think that is a serious problem.