In two of the other hottest Senate contests this fall, vulnerable GOP incumbents have suddenly closed the gap on their challengers. Republicans Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Mike DeWine of Ohio, both of whom were down by wide margins essentially all year, have suddenly narrowed the edge of their Democratic challengers to four points. The survey shows that in Pennsylvania, the presence of third-party candidates suggests an even closer race, with left-wing candidates siphoning votes from moderate Democrat Bob Casey Jr.

Source: Zogby Interactive survey of 893 likely voters statewide, conducted August 29 through Sept. 5, 2006. MOE 3.3 percentage points.

Source: Zogby Interactive survey of 807 likely voters statewide, conducted August 29 through Sept. 5, 2006. MOE 3.5 percentage points.

Also an update on the Lieberman/Lamont race:

Lieberman–Lamont Race Grows Tighter

The Connecticut Senate showdown between independent Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman and liberal Democratic nominee Ned Lamont has narrowed considerably since late August, when the incumbent held a ten-point lead. Lieberman now bests Lamont by just four points in the battle to represent the Nutmeg State in the Senate.

Source: Zogby Interactive survey of 531 likely voters statewide, conducted August 29 through Sept. 5, 2006. MOE 4.3 percentage points.

On the state level, Republicans appear to still be struggling with respect to gubernatorial races.

Analysis:

According to most pundits, the Democrat effort to win control of the Senate depends on them winning Pennsylvania. Santorum was seen by many as a dead horse because of his closeness with the Bush White House.  Undeterred, Rick embraced who he is and now that time has apparently worked.  Though I suppose that Casey's lack luster and at times horrific performance in the candidates' debates had a negative impact on his support.  The other factor detracting from Casey's percentages is that of the appearance of third party candidates who are siphoning off voters from him.

Addtionally, there seems to be problem mounting in New Jersey for the Democrats.  The seat held by Menedez had once been thought safe.  But, with his own problems in campaigning becomeing linked to the ethical problems of Governor Jon Corzine's appointee as Attorney General have given the Democrats a political black eye. 

 This election year is shaping up to be quite the battle.