I’ve been rooting around this afternoon for a reliable count in New York’s 20th Congressional District, and I have been hesitant because Republicans are releasing statements as though Jim Tedisco (R) is ahead when the official count and that of all the news reports have him behind Scott Murphy (D). Well, here is some clarity, anyway. The official totals have Murphy up by 25, without any results from Saratoga County. I’m told that with Saratoga and Warren (updated) included, Tedisco leads by 38.

But that doesn’t include 415 military and overseas absentees, which had to come in by today. Nor does it appear to include any of the 600 or so ballots that have been challenged. News reports suggest that Republicans have challenged more ballots than Democrats, on the grounds that many of the voters actually live in (and receive tax benefits for living in) New York City, not in the 20th Congressional District. If the count on this one tightens, it could very well become the next Franken-Coleman.