U.S. House members who are trying to make the step up to the Senate this year are finding themselves on the defensive about Washington experience that traditionally has been a big asset.

Even those not under direct attack for being part of Congress are finessing the way they talk about their work in the nation's capital -- evidence that the strong anti-incumbent sentiment among voters in 2010 is still there two years later.

"Washington experience or experience in elected office in Washington is not necessarily the ticket to the U.S. Senate it has been in the past," said Chris LaCivita, a Republican strategist. "Clearly people are looking for something different."

Campaigns clearly see that. Just look at Republican primaries in three key states: Missouri, Connecticut and Arizona.

In Missouri, Rep. Todd Akin has had to defend his time in Washington as his two primary opponents criticize votes he has taken and position themselves as outsiders.