Here's tonight's run-down on the Congressional races: The economy continues to dominate the down-ticket races, and it's looking more and more like Dems stand to make significant gains off the crisis.

Cook Report: Dems Could Potentially Reach 60 Senate Seats
Charlie Cook writes in his latest column that although it remains a long-shot, the chances have gone up considerably for Democrats to reach 60 seats in the U.S. Senate. "Today, holding its losses down to four seats would be manna from heaven for the GOP," Cook writes. "Party leaders would take a five- or six-seat loss in stride, given the circumstances."

Dem Ad: Social Security Privatization A Roller-Coaster Ride On Wall St.
Check out this ad from the DCCC, reminding voters that GOP candidates who want to invest Social Security funds in the stock market don't exactly have a strong case in light of the current financial crisis. This one targets Blaine Luetkemeyer, the Republican nominee for an open GOP-held seat in Missouri:

"But Luetkemeyer supports privatizing Social Security, risking your retirement on the Wall St. roller-coaster," the announcer says, as the camera progresses to the top of a roller-coaster. "So if you or a loved one plan to depend on Social Security, hold on tight."

Coleman Dials Down The Bailout Cheerleading In New Ad
Norm Coleman has this new radio ad, pledging to seek proper regulation, oversight and limitations on the Wall St. bailout:

Coleman seems to be toning down his previously outspoken support for the original bailout proposal. He had made the bizarre statement that the government could make a 1,000%-2,000% profit on the $700 billion -- enough pay down the entire national debt -- and had liked Henry Paulson to a quarterback, saying it was Congress' job to run the play.

Poll: Dem Way Behind In Open New York House Seat
A new SurveyUSA poll shows Chris Lee (R) leading Alice Kryzan (D ) by a 48%-37% margin for the open GOP-held New York 26th District. Democrats had high hopes for this seat months ago, but their favored candidate lost the primary in three-way race after he and a wealthy businessman tore one another apart, opening the way for the lesser-known Kryzan to win the nomination.

Poll Shows Wyoming House Seat Is a Tie
A new Research 2000 poll in Wyoming's open House seat shows that the race between Gary Trauner (D) and Cynthia Lummis (R) is a 42%-42% tie. Trauner ran in 2006, losing only narrowly against the incumbent in this deep-red state, and is trying again now that the seat is open.

Dem Candidate's Ad: You Can Count On Marilyn Musgrave To Lie
Here's a new ad from Democrat Betsy Markey, who has been running ahead in the polls against Christian right Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) in a usually solid GOP district. The ad rebuts a attack ad in which Musgrave accused Markey of using her position as a Senate aide to steer government contracts to family businesses -- an accusation that numerous local newspapers have said is untrue:

"They say the only things you can count on are death and taxes," the announcer says. "Add Marilyn Musgrave's lies."