Boehlert’s seat in New York’s 24th congressional district will be competitive. Although Boehlert, a liberal Republican, won his elections handily, Bush has prevailed in it by only slim margins: 53 percent to 47 percent in 2004, 48 percent to 47 percent in 2000. Beating Hillary may be beyond the reach of New York Republicans this fall, but it’s important for them to field a credible candidate simply so down-ticket races like the one to succeed Boehlert don’t suffer from a lack of interest.

In Minnesota, Rep. Martin Sabo is expected to announce his retirement today. His seat, in the fifth district, is safely Democratic: Kerry took 71 percent in 2004.