the seat blue. his opponent is kathy szeliga. in maryland, democrats out number republicans 2-1. >>> we're watching several key races today in virginia as well. you can follow news4 david culver on twitter for updates throughout the day on some of the races. a congressional seat is up for grabs in virginia's tenth district. luann bennett is running against barbara proposed meals tax increase. a proposal that would raise how much it costs for you to eat out. county officials say that 4% meals tax would generate $100 million each year. >>> i'm angie goff here at the decision desk with the 4 things to know about the races to watch across the country. we begin with the battleground state of north carolina where 15 electoral votes are up for grabs. also on the ballot in that state people. the controversy over the bill caused ncaa to pull events from the state earlier this year. moving now to another key swing