G.O.P. Facing Tougher Battle for Congress

[katty]

more: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/09/us/politics/09cong.html?_r=1&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin

G.O.P. Facing Tougher Battle for Congress

By CARL HULSE and DAVID M. HERSZENHORN
Published: October 8, 2008

WASHINGTON — The economic upheaval is threatening to topple Republican Congressional candidates, putting more Senate and House seats within Democratic reach less than a month before the elections, lawmakers and campaign strategists say.

Top campaign officials for both parties, pollsters and independent experts say the intense focus on the economic turmoil and last week’s bailout vote have combined to rapidly expand a Democratic advantage in Congressional contests. Analysts now predict a Democratic surge on a scale that seemed unlikely just weeks ago, with even some Republicans in traditional strongholds fighting for their political careers, and Democratic leaders dreaming of ironclad majorities.

In North Carolina, Senator Elizabeth Dole, a former Republican presidential contender and cabinet member, is teetering. In Kentucky, the opponent of the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, has drawn even in some polls, though Republicans say they believe he will win.

[zbdent]

1. kinda hard to run when your supporters' checks bounce ...