GOP Sees Smoother Ride on Palin's Coattails

Congressional Republicans nervous about their own election chances are encouraged by the thought of a Sarah Palin-fueled boost to the GOP’s overall image, Real Clear Politics reports. Polls conducted since she was picked as John McCain’s running mate show a generic Republican congressional candidate trailing a generic Democrat by only 3.6%, narrowing a lead that has held at 12% or more since July.

Republicans say Palin’s unique character has proved engaging to voters who normally vote Democratic. "If you're the Republicans, you need to make the public take a second look at you this cycle," said Tom Cole, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee. "The presidential campaign being as close and competitive has really helped us.” (More Sarah Palin stories.)