NY 20th Congressional: Close Or Not?

Democrat Eliot Spitzer, current Attorney General and shoo-in candidate for Governor, attended a meeting of the faithful for congressional candidate Kirsten Gillebrand yesterday. A recent Siena College poll shows incumbent John Sweeney ahead by 14 points but an internal Gillibrand poll shows she's up by 2 points for the seat representing the 20th Congressional District of New York.

The Dems must think they can win this seat since they are investing a large sum of political and financial capital. Aside from Spitzer, Senator Hillary Clinton was here last week and former President Bill Clinton is expected in the next few days. Senator John McCain and first lady Laura Bush have been in the area to support Sweeney.

The airwaves are packed with commercials from both sides — most are attack ads. The candidates have spent more than $3.5 million combined since the campaign began. Early in the race, Moveon.org was running ads in favor of Gillibrand which skews the presence in her favor.