The Big Five: Hot House Race Updates

A daily update of trends trends and analyses from the hottest House races.

1. Maxed Out: Pres. Bush wasn't too burned out to host a luncheon for Max, so what in GA 12 was he hungry for? (Bragg, Statesboro Herald);
Rep.Thelma Drake (R) had a little help from her first lady friend in VA 02 (Times Dispatch).

2. He's Not Nancy: In a new ad, Vanderburgh Co Sheriff Brad Ellsworth says IN 08 should step away from Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D) and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D) and instead move forward with him (Hotline).

3. Not A Party Man? Rep. John Barrow (D) presents himself as a fighter in his new GA 12 ad. From the ad, Barrow: "I'm John Barrow and when I went to Congress, I believed the most important thing I had to remember was who sent me there. That's why I stood up to leaders in my own party and opposed amnesty for illegal immigrants... I stood firm on Iraq. We can't cut and run" (Hotline).

4. No Surprise Here: What, '04 nominee Diane Farrell (D)'s not playing fair in CT 04? In her first direct mail piece, she targets Rep. Chris Shays (R). The mailer: " If Chris Shays refuses to support an exit strategy for our troops, it's time we find one for him" (Hotline).

5. Neck-And-Neck: Dem polls are looking awfully close in NY 11! Check out the new 9/4 poll featuring NYC Councilmember Yvette Clark (D), NYC Councilmember David Yassky (D), State Sen. Carl Andrews (D) and health care exec./Rep. Major Owens son Chris Owens (D).(Hotline).