NY-03, NY-04: Republicans seem to have finally cleared a path for state Sen. Jack Martins, as his last remaining primary opponent, former Marine David "Bull" Gurfein, has succumbed to GOP entreaties that he run in New York's 4th rather than 3rd Congressional District. It's pretty much a suicide mission for Gurfein, who instead of running for an open seat that Barack Obama carried by less than 3 points will now go up against a strong Democratic incumbent, Rep. Kathleen Rice, in a much bluer district-one that gave 56 percent of its vote to the president.
But Gurfein probably received at least some vague assurances about his future political prospects in exchange for his sacrifice, since Long Island (and national) Republicans are very eager to make a play for this seat. However, at least a couple of other Republicans, Brookville Village Mayor Daniel Serota and Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, are still apparently considering the race, given that they previously filed paperwork with the FEC. Given the wagon-circling, though, they may no longer be interested. Democrats, meanwhile, face the exact opposite situation: a competitive, multi-way race that won't be resolved until June's primary. In the general election, Daily Kos Elections currently rates this contest a Tossup.