That would widen their margin of power before returns begin to roll in from the West, where Democrats hope to pick up as many as four seats in California, at least one and maybe two in Washington and one each in Utah and Montana.

CNN: Final day of tight race for power in U.S. Congress

And so it was that I had only to walk around the corner from my room to begin my first interview of the trip with the West Coast rappers The Saurus and Dirtbag Dan.

FORBES: Behind the Scenes at World Domination II, Part One

Troops entered the city from the south and west, with forces deciding to stay in Basra to begin securing the city for a humanitarian program, according to CNN's Diana Muriel.

CNN: British 'taking control' of Basra