This year’s midterm elections are a test of whether a party can be a success and a failure at the same time.

The party’s top super PAC for House candidates said it had raised more this summer than ever before in a third quarter, but acknowledged the challenges Republicans are facing.

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There is a chance that Democratic optimism is over the rainbow.

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The party will need to make the most of whatever majority it has.

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Two major Republican super PACs are said to be withdrawing cash from the races of the incumbent Representatives Thomas H. Kean Jr. of New Jersey and Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa in an effort to triage the midterm map.

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Plus, setting a record on Mars.

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