Dems Look Strong in Competitive NY House Races

The Rothenberg Political Report calls the race in New York's Democratic-held 20th congressional district Democrat favored, while the Cook Political Report calls the race leans Democrats. Both Rothenberg and Cook call the race in the state's 24th district, also held by a Democrat, tossup. But in two new surveys from Siena, via Dave Weigel, the Democrats are far ahead in both contests.

CD 20 (.pdf)

Scott Murphy (D): 54 percent
Chris Gibson (R): 37 percent

CD 24 (.pdf)

Michael Arcuri (D): 48 percent
Richard Hanna (R): 40 percent

If the Republicans can't win these races -- or indeed really perform competitively -- how, again, are they supposed to be a favorite to control the House after the midterms?