NY Dem Is First Candidate to Get Push From Obama

For the first time since his swearing-in, President Obama is getting involved in a campaign. The Huffington Post reports that Obama has sent out an email to about 50,000 people in and around New York’s 20th congressional district, urging them to elect Democrat Scott Murphy. “To restore our economy and build a foundation for lasting prosperity, I'll need Scott's help,” reads the message.

Murphy is running to replace now-Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in a traditionally Republican-leaning upstate district. Murphy trailed GOP opponent Jim Tedisco for most of the campaign, but has shrunk the gap to almost nothing recently; voters go to the polls Tuesday. (More President Obama stories.)