fray

More than 8,800 candidates are in the fray in an election marked by a low-key campaign.

Within a few years, however, some of those positions proved a liability for Democrats when trying to win over persuadable voters and keep their coalition from fraying.

Despite that, this is a growing scandal that has further damaged the already frayed relationship between the government and the hostage families.

So do savage Republican cuts in programs for minimal health care, nutrition and other vital aspects of a frayed social safety net.

Here is some background on how they came to stand at the doorstep of a fray 5,000 miles from home — and what the ramifications might be for the region and the wider world.