[Clintonfatigued]

there is good news: Governor Ed Rendell is not particularly popular. There is bad news: Senator Rick Santorum is not popular.

Are these races expected to incluence the Congressional race?

[Coop]

Are these races expected to incluence the Congressional race?

I'd say top of the ticket races always affect lower offices. But given your points about struggles for both parties in high office, I'd guess voter turnout efforts will be the key. And it being a non-Presidential year will favor the GOP slightly.

I'm excited about Diana's chances. I'm in no way underestimating an entrenched, long-term incumbent. But the numbers look favorable for Ms. Irey to give him a serious race.

[AuH2ORepublican]

"Are these races expected to incluence the Congressional race?"

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Rendell is affirmatively unpopular in Western PA, and Lynn Swann will probably win huge margins in the region. The district voted for Kerry over President Bush by only 51%-48% in 2004, but I think that Swann will carry it in 2006 with between 52%-55%.

As for the Senate race, Santorum is from the Pittsburgh area and has run fairly well in the district in the past, but Bob Casey, Jr. has a good profile for the district and will likely carry it by a bit more than Kerry did.