Here's today's rundown on the Congressional races: An avalanche of polls shows the Democrats running ahead or close behind in several seats that have been in GOP hands for years -- suggesting the possibility of major Dem gains.

GOP Rep's Ad: I'm Sorry I Went On An Abramoff Trip
This ad needs to be seen to be believed. Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL), who is facing a spirited challenge from Democrat Suzanne Kosmas, has this new ad in which he speaks to the camera and abjectly apologizes for going on an Abramoff-sponsored trip five years ago:

"I embarrassed myself, embarrassed you, and for that I'm very sorry," Feeney says.

Polls Show Big House Races In Ohio This Year
A new set of SurveyUSA polls in Ohio show Dems poised to pick up two out of four contested GOP-held district. In the First District, incumbent Rep. Steve Chabot (R) is holding a small lead over challenger Steve Driehaus (D) 46%-44%. In the Second District, Rep. Jean Schmidt (R) is holding an 8-point lead over challenger Victoria Wulsin (D) 48%-40%. But in the open 15th and 16th Districts Mary Jo Kilroy (D) has a 47%-42% lead over Steve Stivers (R), and John Boccieri (D) has a 49%-41% lead over Kirk Schuring (R).

Franken Ad: Failure Of Iraq Oversight "May Be The Worst Thing Norm Coleman's Done"
Al Franken is opening up a new offensive against Sen. Norm Coleman (R), blasting Coleman for failing to provide oversight over no-bid contracts in Iraq when he was chairing the relevant subcommittee -- and taking donations from contractors. Here's his new TV ad:

"This may be the worst thing Norm Coleman's done," the announcer says severely.

Quinnipiac: Dems Up In Colorado Senate Race, Trailing In Minnesota
The new Quinnipiac poll today gives Rep. Mark Udall (D) a healthy 48%-40% lead over former Rep. Bob Schaffer (R) in the race for Colorado's open GOP-held Senate seat -- but Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) still leads Al Franken by a 49%-42% margin. Coleman's lead is down from a 15-point margin a month ago, and this pollster has tended to give Coleman the most favorable numbers, but he still must be seen as having the advantage at this point.

GOP Pollster Gives Elizabeth Dole Narrow Lead
On the heels of two polls showing Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) losing re-election against Democrat Kay Hagan, a new Civitas (R) poll gives Dole a bare lead of 43%-41%. The number of undecideds is awfully high, here, with the incumbent well below 50 -- but at this point, Dole will probably take whatever good news she can get.

Shaheen Campaigning With Michael J. Fox, Promoting Stem-Cell Research
Senate nominee Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) is campaigning today with Michael J. Fox, in order to highlight her stance on stem-cell research against the anti-embryonic research incumbent Sen. John Sununu. Meanwhile, Shaheen has this new ad focused on the issue:

Minnesota House Candidates Debate On Iran, Israel
The candidates met for a debate last night in Minnesota's Third District, where Iraq war veteran Ashwin Madia (D) is making a big play for the open GOP-held seat. Erik Paulsen (R) accused Madia of not sufficiently recognizing the threat of Iran, while Madia responded that Israel -- who are most directly threatened by Iran -- have not seen fit to call for any attack as of yet.