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Article snippet: Political excitement among both Republicans and Democrats has led to an explosion of candidates running for office across the country, giving voters a choice between the two parties even in areas where one side has virtually conceded recent elections. An analysis of the 12 states where filing deadlines have come and gone shows an unprecedented number of candidates seeking public office this year — and a relative lack of uncontested races, where a general election features only one candidate on the ballot. While that means both Democrats and Republicans are running in many races they almost certainly will not win, the goal, party strategists and political scientists say, is to field candidates in as many races as possible to take maximum advantage of a favorable political climate. “Even in districts that are very difficult for us to have a chance of winning, it’s important for us to engage in the philosophical discussion of what is the appropriate policy position to take, what is the appropriate direction for the state,” said Phil Berger, the Republican president of the North Carolina state Senate. “If we didn’t have anybody, obviously you can’t win if you don’t field a candidate.” In 2010, North Carolina Republicans fielded candidates in far more districts than did Democrats, helping the GOP capitalize on a wave that gave them the majority for the first time in more than a century. This year, fielding candidates everywhere is especially crucial for Democrats, wh... Link to the full article to read more