Here's today's run-down on the Congressional races:

McConnell Ad Ties Lunsford To Schumer And New York
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, who is facing a tough challenge from Democratic businessman Bruce Lunsford, has this incredible ad out tying Lunsford to the New York liberalism of DSCC Chairman Chuck Schumer:

"And this guy wants to put a New Yawk Senadduh in Kentucky," the announcer says, in a hammed-up New York City accent. "Fuggedaboudit."

Gordon Smith: Palin Is A Great Governor For California
Some Republicans have taken to exaggerating Sarah Palin's qualifications, but this is just ridiculous. In a funny verbal slip-up in last night's Senate debate in Oregon, incumbent Republican Gordon Smith referred to Sarah Palin as an effective governor for California:

"I've met Sarah Palin once, she's a lovely person," Smith said. "She's a great governor of California, she's a strong executive."

Dem Chances Go Up In Four Senate Races
CQ has changed its ratings on four Republican-held Senate seats, and all four in the Dems' favor: Sen. Norm Coleman (MN) has gone from "Leans Republican" to "No Clear Favorite"; Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) has gone from "Republican Favored" to "Leans Republican"; Sen. Saxby Chambliss (GA) has gone from "Republican Favored" to "Leans Republican"; and the open seat of retiring GOP Sen. John Warner (VA) has gone from "Democrat Favored" to "Safe Democratic."

Chambliss Faces Tough Debate
Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), who has suddenly found himself in a heated race for re-election thanks to the economy, was double-teamed by Democrat Jim Martin and Libertarian Allen Buckley at last night's debate. Martin went after Chambliss for standing by and letting the crisis spread, while Buckley hit Chambliss from the right on immigration and called him a "loyal soldier" in George Bush's army.

Musgrave And Opponent Blast Each Other On Ethics At Debate
At a debate yesterday in Colorado's Fourth District, incumbent Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R) and Dem challenger Betsy Markey essentially called each other corrupt. Markey blasted Musgrave for taking donations from banks and oil companies, while Musgrave repeated her accusation that Markey used her time as an aide to Dem Sen. Ken Salazar to enrich her family's business.

Poll: Dole Still Trailing In North Carolina
The new Rasmussen poll of North Carolina shows Senate candidate Kay Hagan (D) leading incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R) 49%-44%, with a ±4% margin of error. Dole was once thought to be heavily favored for re-election, but the economic crisis has put her behind Kagan in most current polls.

Poll: GOP Representative Tied Against Dem
A new poll from Michigan pollster Mitchell Research shows Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R) tied 43%-43% against Democratic challenger Gary Peters, with a ±6% margin of error. Knollenberg has been pretty safe since he was first elected in 1992, but only won by a 52%-46% margin back in 2006, and has become a prime Dem target this year.