Blue's Clues

There's been a lot of talk about GOPers going into traditionally GOP turf to find '10 targets like Ike Skelton (D-MO 04) and Bart Gordon (D-TN 06). But they're also doing a better job attacking some Dem-trending CDs as well.

-- Two strong candidates entered Obama-district races this week. In OR-05, freshman Kurt Schrader (D) won't have the luxury of facing a GOPer with skeletons flying out of his closet like he did in '08. He'll face a strong moderate GOPer in state Rep. Bruun instead. And in NH-02's open seat, ex-Rep. Charlie Bass' (R) anticipated entry gives GOPers their first real shot at taking that seat since he lost in '06.

-- In another Dem-held, open-seat race, in PA-07, ex-U.S. Atty Pat Meehan (R) was already a top-tier candidate, but the Dem primary building there looks like it may get messy, and aid his chances. Further, Meehan could be helped by a change in enviro in the Philly burbs. In a special state Senate election there this week, a GOPer held onto the seat and scored an unexpected landslide victory. Is this the beginning of a trend, or an outlier, in this area?

-- Of course, the big early GOP test in Obama CDs will be in NY-23. And a poll out today gives comfort to GOPers, as Assemb. DeDe Scozzafava (R) -- who has taken a pounding on TV -- holds a 7% lead and collects strong support from indies and Dems, as well as GOPers. But accountant Doug Hoffman (C), and his 16%, weigh heavily in this race. Can Scozzafava hold her strong positions across party lines, even after all the partisan attacks are aired?