"It's a tough national environment," Rudy Giuliani tells new lawmakers. [The Washington Post] 

An upstate blogger praises the likely passage of the Great Lakes Compact, hoping that as water become more precious, people will need to turn to the Great Lakes more often. [Strike Slip]

Nicholas Wapshott wonders if Obama can maintain his popularity with Europeans if he's elected. [City Journal]

Congressional Quarterly has changed the rating for John Hall's district from "Leans Democrat" to "Democrat Favored." [C.Q. via The Albany Project]