Glass Half Full: With the election 29 days away, Democrats are gaining hope as polls make them out to be more competitive than they seemed over the summer. Or at least talking heads are saying so: As Axelrod said last week in Google/Politico’s election preview, “You’re going to see Democrats winning in places that you didn’t expect them to win…. I think we are going to win some races that you guys perhaps don’t think we’re going to win.” Strategists still expect Republican gains, but say their projected impact has diminished. This change in tone comes just as the Democratic National Committee posts record fundraising stats in this election cycle: $16 million in September. (Politico)

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/43081.html

Rahm Out, Officially: As you’ve probably heard by now, White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel announced his departure on Friday — he is indeed running to become mayor of Chicago, and potentially, the Windy City’s first Jew to hold that post. He’s even chosen a campaign manager. He is being replaced, for the moment, by Peter Rouse. (New York Daily News)

Where have all the Jews gone?: Rahm’s departure, as well as the oft-speculated leaving of the White House’s David Axelrod and the earlier exodus of budget honcho Peter Orszag begs the question. (Mitzvote)

Using Pennsylvania’s Forces: Both candidates running for Pennsylvania’s senate seat, Democrat Joe Sestak and Republican Pat Toomey, are seeking to boost their military credentials: Toomey scored an endorsement from a prominent former Navy secretary, while Sestak received a nod from veterans’ group Votevets.org. But Toomey’s side of this coin has got to sting for his opponent: Sestak often touts his 31-year navy career on the campaign trail. (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Monday Funday: The Crowley Political Report says Charlie Crist, the independent candidate running for Florida’s senate seat, is beginning to look like he was “separated at birth” from Christine O’Donnell, the magic-dabbling Tea Partier who is currently the Republican candidate for Delaware’s senate seat. They are “two folks who will say whatever pops into their heads,” according to the post. (When it comes to looks, though, Mitzvote thinks Crist resembles Mad Men’s John Slattery). (Crowley Political Report)

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