WASHINGTON (PNN) - November 6, 2012 - Republicans fell short Tuesday night of their goal of winning control of the Senate after a campaign beset with weak candidate recruitment and self-inflicted gaffes in some of the GOP’s most promising races.

From Massachusetts to Montana, in 10 competitive Senate contests, Republicans in late returns were poised to pick up as many as three Senate seats from Democrats. But Democrats also picked up at least three seats from the GOP, allowing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and his troops to maintain their control of the chamber.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 53-47 majority. Republicans were seeking to regain control of the chamber for the first time since 2006.

Across the map, races that had once looked promising for the GOP turned instead to victories for the Democrats. One of the biggest victories for the Democrats came in Virginia, where former Governor Tim Kaine was declared the winner over Republican George Allen shortly before 11:00 p.m.

In Maine, Democrats likely picked up a seat when former Governor Angus King, an Independent, won the race to replace retiring Republican Senator Olympia J. Snowe. King is expected to caucus with the Democrats.

In Florida, incumbent Democrat Senator Bill Nelson easily defeated Republican challenger Rep. Connie Mack, a race the GOP once thought winnable.

In Ohio, Democrat incumbent Senator Sherrod Brown easily fended off a challenge from Republican Josh Mandel, the state treasurer. In Connecticut, Democrat Rep. Christopher S. Murphy defeated GOP nominee Linda McMahon convincingly.

In Massachusetts, Democrat and consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren defeated incumbent Republican Senator Scott P. Brown.

At the start of the two-year election cycle, Republican leaders expressed confidence about their chances of winning back the Senate. Democrats were facing an uphill battle to protect their majority, forced to defend 23 seats to only 10 for the GOP. Democrats also had lost four seats in the 2010 midterm election.