Legislative races

A couple of the statewide races are in question and interesting, including commissioner of agriculture and auditor, but the real stakes are in the legislative races. Democrats want to make gains in the Senate with Republican Phil Bryant likely to win the lieutenant governor's slot. The big stakes are in the House, where the speaker's race will be decided between Democratic Speaker Billy McCoy and challenger Rep. Jeff Smith, who is "friendly" with Repblicans. McCoy is considered ahead, but several races hold the key. Watch these districts: 1, 2, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 34, 45, 66, 71, 86, 99 and 105.