Real Clear Politics rates the race for the north country's congressional seat a "toss-up."

The contest, between Democratic Rep. Bill Owens and Republican Matt Doheny, is one of the most competitive in the nation.

The Doheny campaign sent out a news release touting the ranking this morning. The campaign took a bit of bad press after an internal Democratic poll showed Mr. Owens up by 12 points — though with more than 90 days to go before the election, 12 points, even if we're to believe that it is that wide a margin, is very possible to surmount. The new ranking will give the Doheny campaign ammunition for their argument that this race is much closer than the Democratic pollster will have you believe.

The Rothenberg Political Report also calls the race a pure toss-up, as does Roll Call.

The Hill, the Cook Political Report, and the New York Times, meanwhile, say that the race leans toward Mr. Owens.

In an effort to appear modest, you won't see any handicapping here at The Public Interest, other than to say that it will be a spirited and competitive contest.

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