AND THEN THERE'S THE OPPOSITE PHENOMENON:

Democratic struggles could cost handful of contests (Chris Cillizza, 10/10/10, Washington Post)

Rick Snyder may be House Democrats' biggest nightmare.

The Michigan Republican, a former head of the Gateway computer company, is running way ahead of Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero (D) in the Wolverine State's gubernatorial race. (A poll released Sunday gave him a 20-point advantage.) Such a wide margin for Snyder creates the potential for a down-ballot sweep that could wash out Democrats' chances in two hotly contested House districts.

State Rep. Gary McDowell (D) and surgeon Dan Benishek (R) are competing for retiring Democratic Rep. Bart Stupak's seat in the 1st District - a swing district in northern Michigan that Barack Obama won with just 50 percent two years ago.

Rep. Mark Schauer (D) is trying to beat back former congressman Tim Walberg (R) in a rematch of their 2008 contest for a tossup seat in the 7th District, where Obama won with 52 percent.

With Snyder leading Bernero by such a wide margin, there is considerable concern among Democratic strategists that a poor performance at the top of the ticket could make just enough difference to sway the 1st District and 7th District races against them.

The situation in Michigan is the most extreme - but far from the only - example of how Democratic struggles at the top of the ticket could well cost the party a handful of congressional contests on Nov. 2.

Here in NH, Democrat losses in pretty nearly every race on the undercard look like they could potentially bring down a very popular governor.

Posted by Orrin Judd at October 11, 2010 5:53 AM