Measuring Stick [UPDATED]
A special congressional election will be held next week in Ohio in a markedly conservative district. The Democrat, Paul Hackett, is an Iraq War veteran. The Republican's campaign is in trouble. Still, by all accounts, she should win. A close race, or even better a miracle Hackett victory, would say much about the mood of the country towards the Republican congress and the Iraq War, and whether their dissatisfaction translates into votes. At DailyKos, DavidinNYC points out that the right-leaning Cincinnatti Post has had enough and has endorsed Hackett. Should he win, his campaign may also be an important lesson for Democrats on how to run against the incumbent party.

It's something to keep our eyes and crossed-fingers on next week.

Atrios has more Hackett, responding to charges from his opponent that he--of all people--should be supporting the president and the troops: "The only way I know how to support the troops is by going over there." He doesn't hesitate to criticize Schmidt's support of the war: "All the chicken hawks back here who said, 'Oh, Iraq is talking bad about us. They're going to threaten us' -- look, if you really believe that, you leave your wife and three kids and go sign up for the Army or Marines and go over there and fight. Otherwise, shut your mouth."