The campaign between incumbent Democrat Scott Murphy and Republican candidate Chris Gibson for New York's 20th Congressional seat (which represents Columbia and Greene counties) heated up today, on the eve of the second quarter contribution reporting deadline. Gibson lagged far behind Murphy in fundraising in the first quarter of the year, and today is the last day of the second quarter, and I'm sure the Gibson campaign and Republican organizers would like to announce a large contribution figure in the next few days. The Albany Times-Union's excellent blog Capitol Confidential reported today that, "A column penned by Brian Walsh, political director of the National Republican Campaign Committee, listed the race as a “toss-up” according to Cook Political, in an article that was promptly posted on Gibson’s website and included in [a] fundraising e-mail he blasted to his supporters." Actually, Cook, fivethirtyeight.com, and most other respected polling organizations have called the district leaning Democrat this fall. Capitol Confidential:

"David Wasserman, the [NRCC]’s House editor, said he has “no idea” why the NRCC cited the race as a toss-up. I called John Randall to ask, and the NRCC spokesman said “that was an oversight on our part and it’s in the process of being fixed.” Indeed, when I looked at Walsh’s column today it had already been updated. As of 4 p.m. it still listed Murphy as having voted for the stimulus bill, which passed before he was a member of the House. (Murphy said during his campaign he would have voted for the measure, and has been full-throated in declaring his support of it.) Rob Clark, a spokesman for Gibson’s campaign, did not immediately offer a comment on why it was included in the e-mail."

Murphy did vote today for the Wall Street Reform conference report, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today and is expected to clear the Senate and get a signature from President Obama. "I came to Congress a year ago as a small businessman to solve problems, and one of the critical problems facing the United States right now is how to regulate our financial industry," Murphy said in a statement today. "That is why I am proud to have taken this critical step to ensure that never again can Wall Street melt down and leave Main Street to pay the price. By ending taxpayer bailouts for big banks and creating strong consumer protections, we will not only strengthen our economy, but hold Wall Street accountable." Gibson, meanwhile, announced today his July 4 weekend schedule, and it includes one local stop, at Kinderhook's annual People's Day Parade. Gibson and his family will be marching in the parade, then the candidate will address the crowd from the bandstand in the Village Square. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Rothermel Park, Gibson speaks around 11:30 a.m.