The Final Countdown

Anyone waiting for a last-minute House race surprise didn't get one over the weekend. But there was some interesting news that may change the dynamics of a few races.

-- In LA-06, Barack Obama taped a radio ad endorsing Don Cazayoux (D). What a difference six months makes! In the special election there, Cazayoux denied he supported any WH'08er after GOPers linked him to Obama in a TV ad. Now, he's fighting a challenge from African-American Dem state Rep. Michael Jackson (D), and he can't afford to cede any black-voter support to a 3rd party in a CD where Dem votes are precious. But Cazayoux won the special with GOP votes, and will this new radio ad turn off those voters he desperately needs?

-- In NY-26, news that businessman Chris Lee (R) broke into his company's computer in the late '80s made a splash in the Buffalo press this weekend, and it may have stalled what appeared to be his late mo'. But atty Alice Kryzan (D) also suffered a setback as her on-again, off-again Working Families Party designation appears to be "off." If she doesn't get that line, Iraq vet Jon Powers (D) (who has campaigned for Kryzan and wants off the ballot) may steal crucial votes from her.

-- But while the dynamics in these races have changed, nothing has happened nationally to stall momentum that Dems are experiencing, and are in for a big night 11/4.