Democrats seeking to make health care the defining issue for the crucial midterms next year were feeling validated by Tuesday night’s elections, which saw big gains across the board for candidates focused on affordability.

“I think that one of the reasons of many that the Democrats had so much success is an appreciation the Democrats are trying to protect health care for the American people,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said Wednesday.

The results dimmed the prospects for a speedy "off-ramp" to end the ongoing shutdown, which had gained some momentum this week, at least among centrists, who are discussing a deal to reopen the government in exchange for a vote on extending the Affordable Care Act's enhanced subsidies.

Liberals warn that such a vote, without a tangible political or policy

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