Special election in New York's 20th CD seen largely as referendum on Obama

Today's election a dead heat between Dem businessman and GOP State House Minority Leader

With Kirsten Gillibrand's (D) appointment to the U.S. Senate to replace Hillary Clinton, the nation's only competitive U.S. House race (in the seat she vacated) will be decided today. Democratic newcomer Scott Murphy has taken a slight lead over NY State Rep. Jim Tedisco in the traditionally conservative Republican district, according to a new poll released late last week by Siena College. Prior to Gillibrand's election, the seat was held by the GOP for decades. Both RNC Chairman Michael Steele and President Obama have been involved in the race.

Update: Too close to call. With all precincts reporting, Murphy leads by 65 votes. There are still several thousand absentee votes outstanding.