Washington Post: “This is an election about nothing — and everything. Unlike in previous midterm election years, no dominant national theme has emerged for the 2014 campaign, according to public opinion surveys as well as interviews last week with scores of voters in five key states and with dozens of politicians and party strategists.”

“Even without a single salient issue, a heavy cloud of economic anxiety and general unease is hanging over the fiercely partisan debate. Listening to voters, you hear a downbeat tone to everything political — the nation’s economy, infrastructure and schools; the crises flaring around the world; the evolving culture wars at home; immigration laws; President Obama and other elected leaders in Washington.”

Neither Sen. Brian Schatz (D) nor his primary challenger, Colleen Hanabusa (D), went to bed after Saturday’s primary election knowing who won their party’s nomination, the Honolulu Star Advertiser reports.

“In one of the closest races in state history, Schatz and Hanabusa were separated by a mere 1,635 votes with all but two precincts accounted for and potentially as many as 8,000 votes from Hawaii island still to be tallied. Election officials still need to tabulate votes from two Puna polling sites that were closed as a result of roads damaged by Tropical Storm Iselle, affecting about 8,000 registered voters.”

David Ige (D), who was unknown to many voters six months ago, ousted Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary, 67% to 32%, the Honolulu Star Advertiser reports.

“Abercrombie, who outspent Ige 10-to-1 and was endorsed by Hawaii-born President Barack Obama and Hono-lulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, had trailed in public opinion polls before the primary and had poor job approval ratings for the past three years. But the governor’s defeat is startling given the state’s economic rebound during his four-year term and recent policy victories on the minimum wage, land conservation at Turtle Bay Resort and marriage equality.”

“Two Hawaii island polling sites will be closed Saturday and voting postponed for affected voters while election officials try to determine how to distribute and collect absentee ballots from the areas hemmed in by damaged roads stemming from Tropical Storm Iselle,” the Honolulu Star Advertiser reports.

KITV: “Under state law, the Office of Elections can postpone an election for no more than 21 days because of a natural disaster.”

Harry Enten: “I don’t know who is going to win Saturday’s special Democratic Senate primary between Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa — and it’s not just because there’s a lot going on in Hawaii right now (an earthquake rattled Hawaii on Thursday, and two tropical storms are on course to hit or come near Hawaii in the next five days). Instead, the polling picture in the Aloha State is a mess.”

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad (R) “has spent the past year leading an effort to seize control of his state party, hoping to send a message that the kickoff presidential caucuses will be welcoming to all 2016 GOP hopefuls,” the AP reports.

“But as conservative prospects flood the state for a major annual gathering of evangelical Christians this weekend, it’s not clear whether the party makeover will make Iowa more attractive to a mainstream GOP contender. Evangelicals, tea partiers and libertarians remain strong in Iowa, which has been difficult terrain for more moderate Republicans in recent presidential cycles.”

“A file titled ‘War Room’ that spells out Gov. Scott Walker’s priorities while he was Milwaukee County executive, including groups he wanted to track, was part of thousands of documents released Friday that were originally collected as part of a now-closed investigation into Walker’s aides,” the AP reports.

“I don’t think Bill and Hillary Clinton could possibly be that politically naïve. New York is a solidly blue state that never votes Republican. Pennsylvania is a swing state whose margins are closer and closer. Where would you go?”

— Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D), quoted by the New York Times, on reports the Clintons want the Democratic convention in Brooklyn rather than Philadelphia.

“New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s chances to be the 2012 Republican vice-presidential nominee were hampered by a U.S. regulation that could have an even bigger impact on the next race for the White House,” Bloomberg reports.

“The three-year-old rule from the Securities and Exchange Commission effectively bars governors and other state officials from raising money from Wall Street for state or federal elections. Having Christie on the ticket would have complicated Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, which took in more money from securities and investment firms than any other industry.”

“Now, with governors including Christie, Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana contemplating a White House run in 2016, two state Republican committees have filed a lawsuit to overturn the regulation.”