Scramble

I found this word when I read the article of election in the NY times. 

"Outspent and under siege in a hostile political climate, Congressional Republicans scrambled this weekend to save embattled incumbents in an effort to hold down expected Democratic gains in the House and Senate on Tuesday."

Scramble

v., -bled, -bling, -bles.

v.intr.

1. To move or climb hurriedly, especially on the hands and knees.
2. To struggle or contend frantically in order to get something: scrambled for the best seats.
3. To take off with all possible haste, as to intercept enemy aircraft.
4. Football.
   1. To run around with the ball behind the line of scrimmage in order to avoid being tackled while searching for an open receiver.
   2. To run forward with the ball when unable to complete an intended pass play. Used of a quarterback.

v.tr.

1. To mix or throw together haphazardly.
2. To gather together in a hurried or disorderly fashion.
3. To cook (beaten eggs) until firm but with a soft consistency.
4. Electronics. To distort or garble (a signal) so as to render it unintelligible without a special receiver.
5. To cause (aircraft) to take off as fast as possible, as to intercept enemy aircraft.

n.

1. The act or an instance of scrambling.
2. An arduous hike or climb over rough terrain.
3. An unceremonious scuffle or struggle.
4. Sports. See motocross.
5. A swift takeoff of military aircraft in response to an alert or attack.