Washington (CNN) -- Democratic and Republican leaders don't see eye to eye on much these days. But political veterans on both sides of the aisle do agree on one point -- the stakes are high in the rapidly approaching 2014 midterm races. For Democrats, the midterms are all about holding their slim Senate majority and, if possible, defying historical odds by retaking the House of Representatives. They want to give President Barack Obama a working congressional majority for his last two years in office to help secure his legacy and lay the best possible groundwork for the party's standard bearer in 2016.
@highlight
Obamacare fiasco has shaken voter confidence in Democrats' government solutions
@highlight
Will voters' memories of October shutdown be eclipsed by Obamacare a year from now?
@highlight
Worst losses have occurred to president's party during or shortly after economic slowdown
@highlight
Could GOP overreach on Obamacare or other issues break cycle of six-year itch?
House of Representatives
2014 is all about finally realizing their maddeningly elusive goal of recapturing the Senate while also boosting their @placeholder majority, ensuring Obama's a powerless lame duck, and pounding away at presidential accomplishments like the Affordable Care Act in the run-up to 2016.
Republican
@placeholder have promised to keep this issue front and center throughout 2014.
Obamacare
Obamacare
Obamacare
Thirty-nine of them voted last week for a GOP bill that would let insurers continue to offer policies not in compliance with the minimum standards outlined in the @placeholder.
Democratic
Democrats
Democrats
"@placeholder have relied on government solutions to a wide range of problems to win campaigns.
Democratic
Democrats
Democrats
I believe that strategy is now threatened and the @placeholder will have to work on their policy messaging for November 2014 if they want to hang onto the Senate."
Senate
I believe that strategy is now threatened and the Democrats will have to work on their policy messaging for November 2014 if they want to hang onto the @placeholder."
GOP
"The @placeholder has to avoid the kinds of disastrous politics that surrounded the recent government shutdown and debt ceiling fights," Schiller said.
House of Representatives
CNN has tentatively identified 45 @placeholder races to watch in 2014 -- 25 Democratic seats and 20 Republican seats.
Republican
CNN has tentatively identified 45 House races to watch in 2014 -- 25 Democratic seats and 20 @placeholder seats.
Republican
Midterm turnout is typically lower, which translates to whiter, older, and more @placeholder.
GOP
In 2014, @placeholder primary voters will help decide more Senate and House where conservative tea party candidates have been pitted against Republican establishment types.