A little while ago Wardell Franklin asked Jeff and I to chime in on this year's congressional races.  As Barack Obama continues surging the democratic presidential nomination, 2008's congressional races will gradually become a recurring topic of discussion.  This applies to any presidential debate but will have particular significance in this year's campaign because one of Obama's campaign platforms is his ability to unite this country, bring republicans and democrats together under one umbrella-ella--ellla.  In order to do this, Obama will first have to make a good showing atop this year's democratic ticket.  As Bill Clinton's campaign proved, regardless of one's charisma, a president still needs a cooperative congress to push through her or his agenda. 

 One of the greatest fears for democratic operatives this year is that Obama and Clinton will continue competing against each other until the party's convention in August, thereby leaving less time for the party to rally around a candidate.  While this might not necessarily impact Clinton or Obama's ability to get elected, it might however, impact whether or not congressional candidates will have enough of an opportunity to distinguish themselves, a factor that inevitably helps incumbents who are already disproportionately favored in these races. 

Secondly, while much has been written about black elected officials who've had to eat crow as a result of Obama's success, very little has been written about the fact that many of their white democratic colleagues are finding themselves in similar positions.  Politicians have to toe a fine line between being leaders and foot soldiers and this year's race is bringing that conflict to the fore for many democrats.  Republicans are not exempt from this conflict either, as many candidates in traditionally conservative regions of this country will have to cast their lot with John McCain whose conservative credentials are repeatedly being called into question.  

 As Jeff and I move forward with this thread, it will help if folks can chime on what the pulse is in their own districts?  Where do your local representatives fall in the Clinton/McCain/and Obama tussle?  Has this prolonged primary campaign taken drawn significant attention to issues faced by you and your neighbors?

F