HOFFMAN CLOSING ON OWENS  —  Democrat ahead of Conservative by 2,512 votes  —  Democrat Bill Owens is leading in the 23rd Congressional District race.  —  The Plattsburgh attorney has 50,884 votes compared to Conservative Doug Hoffman, a Lake Placid CPA, with 47,166 votes.

Exit Polls in Va. and N.J.: The Obama (Non) Factor?  —  As voters in Virginia and New Jersey headed to the polls today to elect their governors, Americans across the country were watching these off-year races for implications about the nation's mood heading into 2010.

NBC reverses Bloomberg call  —  Wow: This is looking to be a very long night for the billionaire-incumbent-front- runner in New York.  —  With more than a third of the votes in, it's a 1-point race.  NBC called it for Bloomberg — but just reversed that call.  The New York Times continues to indicate that Bloomberg has won.

Former presidents to face off in debate  —  Bubba and Dubya are going to engage in a presidential debate for the ages.  —  Former President Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will square off on the same stage at Radio City Music Hall in February as part of a series pitting liberal and conservative thinkers.

‘V’ aims at Obamamania  —  Imagine this.  At a time of political turmoil, a charismatic, telegenic new leader arrives virtually out of nowhere.  He offers a message of hope and reconciliation based on compromise and promises to marshal technology for a better future that will include universal health care.

Turnout high in Maine  —  Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap told me just now that turnout there is far exceeding his projections — news that would be good news for backers of same-sex marriage.  —  “We're seeing heavy and very steady turnout,” he said, attributing the surprise to the contested vote on a …

Hoffman Barnstorms NY 23 in Plane  —  Rousing Reception in Oswego, where weather has cleared up.  —  Off to Plattsburgh for evening event.  —  Turnout in North East Counties of NY 23 Dampened by Rainy Weather  —  But Central New York Turnout and Weather Both Said to be Good

Louisiana justice who refused interracial marriage resigns  —  (CNN) — A Louisiana justice of the peace who drew criticism for refusing to marry an interracial couple has resigned, the secretary of state's office said Tuesday.  —  Keith Bardwell resigned in person at the Louisiana secretary …

Breckenridge Votes To Legalize Marijuana  —  BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. — The skiing town of Breckenridge voted Tuesday night by a margin of nearly 3 to 1 to legalize the adult possession of marijuana.  —  Breckenridge voters passed Measure 2F, which removes criminal penalties from the town code …