The non-partisan Cook Political Report upgraded Jim Ogonowski’s chances vs. Niki Tsongas yesterday. According to a Boston Globe story on the first general election debate which broke the news.
With the Oct. 16 special election less than three weeks away, the race to fill the seat, held by a Democrat for 33 years, looks unexpectedly close. Party members on both sides in Washington are paying attention to the race, which the independent Cook Political Report yesterday rated as “leans” Democratic, a change from its previous prediction that the outcome was “solid” Democratic.
“There’s no question that Niki Tsongas is underperforming against the political newcomer, and this is very troubling for national Democrats who are watching the race,” said David Wasserman, an editor for Cook, which provides nonpartisan analysis.
Niki who is feeling the heat from Jim, rudely refused to even address Jim Ogonowski by name at that same debate.
Tsongas, speaking from a stage that also included three other candidates, refrained from calling Ogonowski by name, but spoke about her desire to withdraw troops from Iraq.
Niki, here’s a newsflash. This election is about the 5th Congressional District in Massachusetts, not about George Bush. You should probably engage your opponent directly.
