***UPDATE*** Sen. Burr tells NBC News that Republican senators have allowed Sen. Lisa Murkowski to retain her ranking status on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

"The conference decided not to make any changes," said Burr. The conventional wisdom going into the GOP caucus meeting was the Burr would be selected to replace Murkowski.

Senate GOP Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander refused to discuss how it all unfolded behind closed doors. "There are some things that we discussed within the conference and we keep them there," Alexander said moments after the meeting. "We've done what we need to do and we decided not to do more."

Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming was picked to succeed Murkowski as Conference Vice-Chairman.

From NBC's Ken Strickland
Senate Republicans will vote this afternoon on whether to replace Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski as the top Republican on the chamber's Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

In a closed-door session, the GOP conference will consider a recommendation from Republicans on who should replace Murkowski, who was defeated by Joe Miller in the Alaska GOP primary last month.

Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina is expected to be approved for the top slot on the committee.

Even though the GOP establishment has thrown its support behind Miller, Murkowski recently announced she's still running as a write-in candidate in the general election.

That has caused some heartburn within the Republican ranks. "There is an issue as to whether or not it's appropriate for her, under the circumstances, to continue as ranking member on the Energy Committee," Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said yesterday.

The vote is expected at about 2 p.m. ET.

Republicans will also vote on who will replace Murkowski for the leadership position she held as Conference Vice-Chair. She resigned that post shortly after her primary loss. Wyoming's Sen. John Barrasso is expected to get that slot.

For Democrats heading into what's expected to be a difficult midterm home stretch, there are a few phrases in news stories about members of the Democratic Party that probably feel, well, unhelpful: “flagging in fundraising” … “enthusiasm gap” … “ethical woes” …

Oh, and here’s one more: “…used a variation of the F-word to describe opponents to his party's agenda.”

That’s apparently what Ohio’s Democratic Party chairman did at an endorsement event Monday at which the United Steelworkers union announced its backing of various candidates, including incumbent Gov. Ted Strickland.

Per Steubenville’s WTOV-9:

A NEWS9 reporting crew was invited into the union hall in Clarington for the endorsement announcement, and the camera was rolling as Redfern leveled the expletive at critics in the Tea Party, who, in his words, believe health care is a privilege, not a right.

"If your kids are going to graduate from college, now he or she gets health care, your heath care, while he or she looks for a new job," Redfern said. "It's in the very base terms we win these arguments. Every time one of these (expletive deleted) says, excuse my language..."

When NEWS9 contacted Redfern for an explanation of his comment, he was under the impression that the endorsement announcement was a private event.

GOP-leaning groups are equalizing the Democrats’ money advantage… The scoop on Woodward’s new book… Larry Summers becomes the third key member of Obama’s economic team to leave… Who replaces him?... Murkowski speaks to the national press, while Christine O’Donnell says she won’t anymore… Cuomo up by only six?... First lady to hit the campaign trail… Upset in the making in New Hampshire?... And previewing PA-3.

From NBC's Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Ali Weinberg
*** The Equalizers: Think Democrats have the money advantage heading into November? Well, think again. Adding up what the federal party committees (DNC/RNC, DSCC/NRSC, DCCC/NRCC) have in bank as of last month, Democrats hold a 3-2 edge, $75.4 million to $54.3 million. Also, by and large, Democratic candidates have outraised their GOP counterparts. But here's where Republicans are making up the difference: outside groups. For example, Dem ad trackers note that conservative outside groups (like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Karl Rove-backed American Crossroads) have outspent liberal outside groups in key Senate contests by a whopping amount in the past two months, $22 million to $3.5 million. “We're just getting shellacked on TV by the groups,” said DSCC spokesman Eric Schultz. “It's a big deal." The one thing that Republicans are concerned about regarding the outside groups: They’re TOO focused on Senate races. As Charlie Cook noted last week, a dollar invested in a House race could go a lot farther than a dollar in a Senate race.

*** Woodward’s 'Obama’s Wars': It’s a time-honored Washington tradition: Every couple of years or so, the Washington Post’s Bob Woodward publishes a book about the current president and his team, and the political world scrambles to get the juicy details. Well, the New York Times was the first to get its hands on Woodward’s new book, “Obama’s Wars.” The Times says it “depicts an administration deeply torn over the war in Afghanistan even as the president agreed to triple troop levels there amid suspicion that he was being boxed in by the military. Mr. Obama’s top White House adviser on Afghanistan and his special envoy for the region are described as believing the strategy will not work.” More: “The president concluded from the start that ‘I have two years with the public on this’ and pressed advisers for ways to avoid a big escalation.” The White House is spinning the conflict depicted in the book as classic Obama -- he wants differing opinion and robust debate. Here’s one thing the book does: It adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming policy review on the war. Perhaps the most fascinating part of the New York Times reporting on the book is what's NOT in there -- like few palace-intrigue-type anecdotes about Secretary of State Clinton.

*** On the last day of summer, Summers announces he’s leaving: Speaking of intrigue, we learned yesterday that chief White House economic adviser Larry Summers is leaving at the end of the year, and he will return to Harvard University. That makes him the third key member of Obama’s economic team to depart the White House in the last 60 days, joining Peter Orszag and Christina Romer. The White House might not want to call this a shakeup, but the fact is that a majority of his economic team will be new by next year. So who will replace Summers? We can report that the White House is looking for diversity, but that diversity doesn’t necessarily mean gender or race; it can also mean background. In fact, Team Obama might want someone from the business community (GM’s Ed Whitacre or ex-Xerox chief Ann Mulcahy) to knock down the complaint that the White House is anti-business. It's a tricky position to fill… The person has to have some Washington skill, and in a Democratic administration also has to have a decent relationship with labor. That's why finding a CEO is so hard for Democrats on this front, as there aren't many execs on good terms with key labor leaders.

*** Murkowski speaks to the press… : Not satisfied with Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s resignation as vice-chairwoman of the Senate Republican Conference, the New York Times says that “Republicans intend to meet” today “and vote to strip her of her position as the senior Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.” Murkowski appeared on “TODAY” this morning, saying that she is putting Alaska before her party. Murkowski also pre-taped an interview for MSNBC’s “Daily Rundown,” saying that she will remain a Republican if she wins her write-in campaign; that GOP nominee Joe Miller is an “extremist” because of his views on Social Security and his opposition to federal infrastructure dollars for the state; and that Dem nominee Scott McAdams is a nice man who is unelectable.

*** … but Christine O’Donnell won’t anymore: After backing out of Sunday-morning interviews on CBS and FOX News Sunday, GOP Senate nominee Christine O’Donnell conducted a friendly interview with FOX News prime-time host Sean Hannity, declaring that -- upon Sarah Palin’s advice -- she would no longer speak to the national media. “I’m not going to do any more national media because this is my focus. Delaware is my focus, and the local media is my focus.” But here’s some advice to O’Donnell from us: If she doesn’t like talking to the national media, then she isn’t going to enjoy working in the U.S. Senate because the place is teeming with national reporters and TV cameras.

*** Cuomo up by only six? A new Quinnpiac poll shows that Andrew Cuomo (D) is leading Carl Paladino (R) in New York’s gubernatorial contest by just six points (49%-43%) among likely voters. After previous Q-polls showing Dick Blumenthal (D) ahead by just six points and Rob Portman up 20 points (!!!), either this is a REALLY BAD political environment for Democrats, or Quinnipiac’s likely-voter model is VERY tight right now, leaving out too many actual voters.

*** The first lady and the Senate firewall: Want to know what Democrats consider their Senate firewall? Look no further than the schedule the White House released for First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign activity. On Oct. 13, she hits fundraising events for Russ Feingold in Wisconsin and Alexi Giannoulias in Illinois. On Oct. 14, she heads to Colorado to raise funds for Michael Bennet. On Oct. 25, she travels to Seattle to help Patty Murray in Washington state. And on Oct. 27, she heads to Los Angeles to raise money for Barbara Boxer. By the way, Illinois, Colorado, Wisconsin California, and Washington state just happen to rank, respectively, Nos. 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 on our First Read Top 10 Senate takeover list.

*** Upset in the making in New Hampshire? The New Hampshire Republican Party is bullish about gubernatorial nominee John Stephen's chances against popular Gov. John Lynch (D), who is gunning for an unprecedented fourth term (New Hampshire governors serve only two-year terms.) And Stephen is getting rock-star treatment from national Republicans with Mitt Romney, Haley Barbour, and Tim Pawlenty all set to appear in the Granite State in the next 10 days. There hasn't been any reliable polling in the state thus far (there was a robo-poll showing the race tight), but even Lynch's campaign is acting like they're in a fight. Yesterday, the campaign went up with an attack ad, criticizing Stephen's record as state Health and Human Services commissioner, which he held under Lynch and former Gov. Craig Benson. Stephen responded with an ad hitting Lynch for tax increases, a budget deficit, and vowed to veto tax increases.

*** 75 House races to watch: PA-3: The Democratic nominee is first-term incumbent Kathy Dahlkemper, and the GOP nominee is auto dealer (and former Notre Dame football player) Mike Kelly. In 2008, McCain won the district by 17 votes, and Bush won it with 53% in ’04. As of June 30, Dahlkemper had slightly more than $1 million in the bank, while Kelly had just more than $100,000. Dahlkemper voted yes for the stimulus and health care, and no for cap-and-trade. Both Cook and Rothenberg rate the race as Toss Up.

Countdown to Election Day 2010: 41 days

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"Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.) is expected to take over as senior Republican on the Senate Energy panel after Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) lost the position Tuesday," The Hill reports. "Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) was behind the switch."

Renee Ellmers in NC-2 challenging Bob Etheridge has her first ad out, claiming Muslims want to build a "victory Mosque" at Ground Zero. An announcer says: "After the Muslims conquered Jerusalem and Cordoba and Constantinople, they built victory mosques," the ad's narrator says. "And now, they want to build a mosque by ground zero. Where does Bob Etheridge stand? He won't say."

"In theory, Members of Congress who post videos to their official websites are bound by the same rules that govern taxpayer-funded mail pieces: no overtly political or partisan messages, no mention of elections, no solicitation of support for legislation or a candidate," Roll Call writes. "But Rep. Darrell Issa appears to have figured out the print rules do not really apply to video."

From NBC's Savannah Guthrie
A senior administration officials confirms Larry Summers, the director of the National Economic Council, will leave the administration "soon." It is unclear WHEN the departure will be.

A Bloomberg News story out today suggests the departure will be after the midterms, but officials have not confirmed that timing to NBC.

*** UPDATE *** Summers will leave "at the end of the year," NBC has learned.

*** UPDATE II *** The White House just announced that Summers will return to Harvard University. Said Obama in a statement: “I will always be grateful that at a time of great peril for our country, a man of Larry’s brilliance, experience and judgment was willing to answer the call and lead our economic team. Over the past two years, he has helped guide us from the depths of the worst recession since the 1930s to renewed growth. And while we have much work ahead to repair the damage done by the recession, we are on a better path thanks in no small measure to Larry’s wise counsel. We will miss him here at the White House, but I look forward to soliciting his continued advice and his counsel on an informal basis, and appreciate that he has agreed to serve as a member of the President’s Economic Advisory Board.”

Said Summers: “I will miss working with the President and his team on the daily challenges of economic policy making. I’m looking forward to returning to Harvard to teach and write about the economic fundamentals of job creation and stable finance as well as the integration of rising and developing countries into the global system.”

One of the few undeniable trends of this midterm season is that most Americans who are expected to go to the polls this November are fed up with their political leaders. But is that because they want representatives who are more willing to reach across the aisle and compromise on tough issues, or is it because they believe leaders should be more principled about sticking to their beliefs?

It may depend on which political party they favor.

A new Society for Human Research Management/National Journal Congressional Connection poll out today shows that American adults are divided on the value of 'compromise.' About half of respondents said that they most admire politicians who “who stick to their positions without compromising,” while 42 percent said they value leaders “who make compromises with people they disagree with.”

But according to the poll, which was conducted with the Pew Research Center, there is a pronounced divide between the parties on the question.

Nearly two-thirds of Republicans in the survey (62 percent) said that they prefer politicians who refuse to modify their positions over those who negotiate. A majority (54 percent) of Democrats feel the opposite, favoring compromisers.

The numbers for independents are similar to those of Republicans; just 40 percent commend compromisers over non-compromisers. Blacks also said they prefer politicians who don’t compromise on principles, by 53-35 percent.

Those who identify with the Tea Party are the least likely to prize leaders who compromise. Seven in ten of Tea Party adherents surveyed said they prefer politicians who stick to their guns.

With Republicans enjoying the advantageous end of an enthusiasm gap heading into the midterms, the numbers paint an electoral picture that appears to favor Congressional gridlock.

For many of the voters who cast votes on Nov. 2, that might be precisely the point.

For those wondering whether First Lady Michelle Obama would campaign for Democratic candidates this midterm season, the answer is yes.

The First Lady's office today released the following campaign schedule, to which more dates are expected to be added:

Wednesday, October 13 - Milwaukee, WI, and Chicago, IL
Fundraising events for US Senator Russ Feingold

Fundraising event for Alexi Giannoulias, candidate for US Senate

Fundraising event for US Representative Debbie Halvorson, Dan Seals, and Bill Foster (DCCC)

Thursday, October 14 - Denver, CO

Fundraising Luncheon for US Senator Michael Bennet

Monday, October 18 - Travel to New York, NY

Fundraising Dinner for the Women's Leadership Forum (DNC)

Monday, October 25: Seattle, WA, and San Francisco, CA

Fundraising events for US Senator Patty Murray

Fundraising event for Speaker Nancy Pelosi (DCCC)

Tuesday, October 26: Los Angeles, CA

Fundraising Dinner for the Women's Leadership Forum (DNC)

Wednesday, October 27: Los Angeles, CA

Fundraising events for US Senator Barbara Boxer

The primary season ended with a bang last week, with Tea Party favorite Christine O'Donnell's victory capping off a surprisingly strong showing for Republican insurgents in states from Delaware to Alaska.

Now, one week after O'Donnell's win, Sarah Palin's political action committee is out with a not-so-subtle reminder that the former Alaska governor has long been one of the movement's strongest supporters.

In a new web video (not a paid-for advertisement) that is reminiscent of her earlier "Mamma Grizzlies" effort, Palin is heard calling the Tea Party "the future of politics" in America. NBC's Domenico Montanaro discusses the latest video with MSNBC's Tamron Hall:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

NBC's Ken Strickland reports that a vote on the Defense Authorization Bill, which contains the "Don't ask, Don't Tell" repeal, failed 56-43. Democrats needed 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. This was a "motion to proceed" vote that would have moved the bill forward to be debated.

Republican moderates Susan Collins (ME), Olympia Snowe (ME), and Scott Brown (MA) all voted "no" with rest of GOP.

Other vote notes:

Democrats voting no: Blanche Lincoln (AR), Mark Pryor (AR), and Harry Reid. (Reid changed his vote to "no" for procedural reasons to be able to call for another vote later.)

Senators not voting: Lisa Murkowski (AK), who is focused on a write-in bid for reelection in Alaska.

New Hampshire gubernatorial nominee John Stephen is getting rock-star treatment from national Republicans.

In the next week, he has campaign events and fundraisers with 2012 potential candidates Mitt Romney, Haley Barbour, and Tim Pawlenty.

On Saturday, Romney is keynoting the state party convention and doing a fundraiser for Stephen. On Monday, Barbour, who is the Republican Governors Association chairman, is heading to the Granite State, for a fundraiser for Stephen in the morning and then will tour a factory in Londonderry. On the 30th, Pawlenty will headline an event with Stephen as well.

The New Hampshire Republican Party is bullish about Stephen's chances against the popular Gov. John Lynch. There hasn't been any reliable polling in the state thus far (there was a robo-poll showing the race tight), but even Democratic Gov. John Lynch's campaign is acting like they're in a fight. Yesterday, the campaign went up with an attack ad, criticizing Stephen's record as state Health and Human Services commisioner. He held the post under Lynch and former Gov. Craig Benson.

“Stephen won’t tell you but he raised fees 162 times, left a trail of mismanagement we’re still paying for,” an announcer says in Lynch's ad. “John Stephen. If you can’t trust his numbers, how can you trust him?”

Lynch is trying for an unprecedented fourth term. (In New Hampshire, governors serve two-year terms.) That hasn't happened since Colonial times, the New Hampshire Republican Party notes.

"John Stephen is an excellent nominee," said Ryan Williams, spokesman for the New Hampshire Republican Party. "We have the best shot in years of taking back the corner office." He adds that voters, channeling much of the frustration highlighted by the Tea Party movement, are "rallying around [Stephen's] fiscally conservative message."

Stephen's is currently a consultant with the Lucas Group in Boston, where he advises state governments on achieving "efficiencies," Williams said. He's worked including Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) on how to get savings, particularly in health care. Stephen's father is a former Democratic state Senator from Manchester.

In the Senate race... There's a debate tomorrow between Republican front-runner Kelly Ayotte and Rep. Paul Hodes. And how much have things possibly turned there? Hodes, who once touted the Dem party line, is now on TV calling himself a "fiscal conservative." (That's something Karl Rove's American Crossroads derided in this ad.)

From NBC's Ken Strickland
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said moments ago that unless Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell can reach an agreement that allows for the consideration of Republican amendments, she will vote against starting debate on the bill that includes a repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy banning gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military.

"I cannot vote to proceed to this bill under a situation that is going to shut down the debate and preclude Republican amendments," Collins said in a floor speech.

Reid is willing to work with Republicans on the amendment process, his aides say, but Republicans remain skeptical without an official agreement. Such agreements are common in Senate procedures to initiate debate on a bill or to finish a bill.

With only 59 votes in the Democratic caucus, Reid needs at least one Republican senator to vote with Democrats to get the 60 votes needed to break the filibuster. So far, no Republicans have agreed to do so.

Collins plays a a key role in the debate as the only Republican on the Armed Services Committee who voted with Democrats in favor of repealing the ban.

"Now is not the time to play politics simply because an election is looming in a few weeks," Collins said.

Questioners at CNBC forum give voice to why Obama’s ’08 supporters aren’t fired up… Hours later, however, the president exhorts Democrats to roll up their sleeves again… By the way, the female questioner who said she was “exhausted” later said she’s still 100% in support of Obama… Today’s Senate showdown on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”… Dem committees outraise their GOP counterparts in August… CREW’s complaint against O’Donnell… Murkowski campaign misspells her name (!!!)… And profiling OR-5.

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro, and Ali Weinberg
*** Giving voice to the disappointment: What was captivating about yesterday’s CNBC town hall with President Obama is that it gave voice -- from real people -- to the reason why his party faces the possibility of big losses on Election Day, which is now exactly six weeks away. That reason: His supporters aren’t fired up right now. “Quite frankly, I'm exhausted,” said one questioner. “Exhausted of defending you, defending your administration, defending the man for change I voted for, and deeply disappointed with where we are right now.” Here was another questioner: “Like a lot of people in my generation, I was really inspired by you and by your campaign and message that you brought, and that inspiration is dying away. It feels like the American dream is not attainable to a lot of us.”

*** “Change is always hard”: Obama’s response to these questions is what he usually says: The economy is moving in the right direction; his administration has passed changes that will help the middle class; and that the American Dream is still obtainable. The questioners, more than likely, are folks Obama can still win back in 2012. But that kind of dissatisfaction isn’t going to help Democrats THIS November. That’s why, hours later at a fundraiser for Joe Sestak in Philadelphia, Obama was exhorting Democrats to get fired up about the upcoming election. “Because we’ve gone through a difficult time over the last two years, there are a lot of people who are suddenly saying, ‘Well, you know what, maybe our hopes were too high. Maybe it’s not worth getting involved. Change didn't happen as quickly as I expected.’… Well, I am here to say that change is always hard. Things that are worthwhile are always hard… And because we live in a big, messy democracy with a diverse population of people from every walk of life, and because we have freedom of speech and freedom of the press and freedom of assembly, sometimes democracy can look just tough.”

*** “We are going to continue moving this country forward”: Obama added, “If each and every one of you are knocking on doors and making phone calls and talking to your friends and talking to your neighbors, I guarantee you, Joe Sestak will be senator. And he will join with Bob Casey, and he will join with me, and together, we are going to continue moving this country forward.”

*** Still in support: By the way, the woman who made the statement about being “exhausted,” Velma Hart, later said she was “100%” in support of the president. However, per the New York Post: "She complained that [Obama] didn't say whether these tough times are a 'new reality' or just temporary. 'He didn't answer that,' she said. 'That was the heart of my question. Like most Americans, fear is starting to take hold, anxiety is taking hold. You can have all the hope in the world, but it has to be backed by action. It's been a long time since I had to make decisions about grocery purchases." The White House might be a little disappointed by all the attention these questioners are getting, but realize that this was the first time in some time where real people directly questioned the president in a setting that wasn't a rally or even a White House-controlled event. These folks gave voice to what we're seeing in polls. What will be interesting is how this affects the president's own psyche. It's one thing to read or hear about it; it's another to come face-to-face without the filter of the media or staff.

*** Senate showdown: It's still unclear if Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has the 60 votes needed to start debate on the defense authorization bill that includes the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” NBC’s Ken Strickland reports. The vote on "the motion to proceed" is at 2:15 pm ET. On policy, Republicans say Congress should not repeal the ban until the military has completed it's review of repealing DADT. Strick adds that’s an objection that one of the swing votes -- Sen. Olympia Snowe (R) -- expressed yesterday. Snowe and her state colleague, Susan Collins, are viewed as critical for Democrats to get the 60 votes needed to proceed. (That’s why Lady Gaga held a rally yesterday in Maine.) The other GOP objection is one of politics. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and others have complained that Reid plans to attach an immigration measure to the defense bill -- the Dream Act -- that would give young illegal immigrants a path to citizenship if they graduate from high school or serve in the U.S. military.

*** McCain’s opposition -- and support: One of the chief GOP critics of the Democratic maneuvers on the defense bill is Sen. John McCain. While his opposition is rooted in process it's worth reminding everyone that he's been open to both measures on the substance. “The day that the leadership of the military comes to me and says, ‘Senator, we ought to change the policy,’ then I think we ought to consider seriously changing it because those leaders in the military are the ones we give the responsibility to,” he said on “Hardball” in 2006. (And Joint Chiefs Chairman Mullen has called for the change.) Also in ’06 and ’07, McCain supported creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Here’s what McCain said on the Senate floor last week: "I want to make one thing very clear: I do not oppose or support the repeal of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' at this time, but I do oppose taking legislative action prior to the completion of a real and thorough review of the law."

*** Dem committees still raking in the bucks: Despite having the political winds at their backs, it’s a significant story that Republicans weren’t able to outraise Democrats last month. The DNC raised nearly $11 million to the RNC’s nearly $8 million; the DCCC raised $8.3 million to the NRCC’s $6.6 million; the DSCC raised $7.4 million to the NRSC’s $6 million. As the Washington Post’s Cillizza notes, “While money isn't always determinative in elections … it is often a sign of momentum. Given the doom and gloom predictions for Democrats over the past month, the expectation was that Republicans would easily win the cash dash.”

*** Complaint against O’Donnell: A watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), yesterday filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission that cited a former aide to Christine O'Donnell who claimed that O'Donnell spent campaign donations on rent, gas, and meals, NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports. Christine O'Donnell responded that the complaint was politically motivated. "They're scared that the person that Harry Reid called his 'pet' is not gonna get the seat," she said. "The momentum surrounding this campaign is obvious that's why they're creating baseless accusations." But as O'Donnell's old campaign manager alleged in a recent robo-call: "I found out that she was living on campaign donations -- using them for rent and personal expenses, while leaving her workers unpaid and piling up thousands in debt."

*** Talk about a bad metaphor: Lisa Murkowski’s write-in campaign misspelled her name, per Politico’s Ben Smith. This underscores that while Joe Miller might not have much of an organization, neither does she. By the way, can we be sure Murkowski will caucus with the GOP if she wins? Here’s what she told the AP: "You've got a situation where people are, they're counting numbers. And if it's a Republican body, that's the body we want," she said in an interview from Anchorage. "Here in Alaska, what I hear so often is, 'I vote for the individual. I look at the person, I don't really get myself tied into the party label.'"

*** 75 House races to watch: OR-5: The Democratic nominee is first-term incumbent Kurt Schrader, and the GOP nominee is state Rep. Scott Bruun. In 2008, Obama won 54% of the vote in the district, while Bush got 50% in ’04. As of June 30, Schrader had more than $900,000 in the bank, versus nearly $200,000 for Bruun. Schrader voted for the stimulus, cap-and-trade, and health care. Cook rates it Lean Democrat, and Rothenberg has it Democrat Favored.

Countdown to Election Day 2010: 42 days

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The New York Times on yesterday’s CNBC forum with President Obama: “In question after question during a one-hour session, which took place on Monday at the Newseum here and was televised on CNBC, Mr. Obama was confronted by people who sounded frustrated and anxious — even as some said they supported his agenda and proclaimed themselves honored to be in his presence.”

The New York Daily News' headline out of yesterday's CNBC town hall: "President Obama challenges Tea Partyers: Show us what you'd do!"

The New York Post, being the New York Post, on the other hand, plasters on its cover the question from a supporter who said she was "exhausted" having to defend him. The over-the-top cover headline: "BETRAYED." The point this sensationalistic cover misses, however, is that in a follow up interview with the reporters of the story, the woman, Velma Hart, said she remains "100 percent" in support of the president. She was not, however, completely satisfied with the president's answer: "She complained that he didn't say whether these tough times are a 'new reality' or just temporary. 'He didn't answer that,' she said. 'That was the heart of my question. Like most Americans, fear is starting to take hold, anxiety is taking hold. You can have all the hope in the world, but it has to be backed by action. It's been a long time since I had to make decisions about grocery purchases."

The AP: "It's John McCain versus Lady Gaga on Tuesday as the Senate takes up the emotional issue of repealing the ban on gays serving openly in the military."

The Washington Post: "The Senate is planning to vote Tuesday on whether to end debate on a $725.7 billion annual defense policy bill, a measure that includes a repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" law, which bans gays from serving openly in the armed forces. The vote is expected to be close but is almost certain to pass if Democrats can break a Republican-led filibuster. The House passed a similar measure in May, and a House-Senate compromise version is expected to pass both chambers after the November midterm elections."

"Even as House Republicans prepare to unveil their majority-making agenda, GOP Members are worried about appearing overly confident and have been trying to tone down talk that they will win," Roll Call writes. Here's John Boehner, who said earlier this cycle that 100 seats were in play. "I think it’s all a bit premature," Minority Leader John Boehner said last week when asked about how he would lead the chamber as Speaker. "The Ohio Republican has been actively campaigning for the Speakership for months: He’s talked publicly about wresting the gavel from Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and even set up a political action committee to raise money off the prospect. But in recent days, the Minority Leader has softened his rhetoric, and his rank-and-file colleagues appear to be following his lead."

Despite DeMint and Republican leaders' nice talk last week, Roll Call writes that rifts persist: "Although the National Republican Senatorial Committee has begun spending millions of dollars on Senate candidates whom DeMint backed in the primary, South Carolina’s junior Senator remains dissatisfied with NRSC strategy in a handful of races. DeMint is taking what he deems corrective action by spending money in such races, drawing funds from his Senate Conservatives Fund political action committee and his own personal re-election account."

The New York Times front-pages the GOP strategy to repeal the health-care law.

Politico notes that Sen. Murkowski’s first ad as a write-in candidate misspells the campaign URL at the bottom of the ad.

Murkowski to the AP: "You've got a situation where people are, they're counting numbers. And if it's a Republican body, that's the body we want," she said in an interview from Anchorage. "Here in Alaska, what I hear so often is, 'I vote for the individual. I look at the person, I don't really get myself tied into the party label.'"

More: "[I]n order to get things done, we take the good ideas from our colleagues that are on the other side of the aisle, we work to advance policies and proposals that are good for everybody, not just the Republicans. ... We all know that Washington, D.C., is far too partisan right now. And I think when we allow the numbers to dominate over quality, I don't think that that helps us."

Stu Rothenberg calls Alaska a "handicapper headache." "Can Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who was denied renomination by Alaska Republicans, win as a write-in candidate in November? Obviously, it’s a long shot, as is any write-in campaign, but is it impossible?" he writes. "I start off skeptical, but I’m not sure."

More: "What’s the easiest scenario to imagine? With McAdams widely regarded as a nonentity, Murkowski could become the de facto Democratic candidate in the contest. Even if that happens, it’s easiest to see Miller winning the Senate seat in November. But until we see a number of reliable polls and how Murkowski proceeds with her campaign, which is likely to be well-funded, there is no reason to rush to judgment. Unfortunately, polling in the state doesn’t have a great history."

CALIFORNIA: The Boston Globe goes to California: "The race is being scrutinized as a bellwether for Republican chances to capture control of the Senate. If a staunch conservative like Fiorina can win on the 'left coast,' then Republicans might ride a wave that delivers the 10 seats they need to take the majority, specialists said."

DELAWARE: “The Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed a criminal complaint regarding U.S. Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell’s use of campaign funds for personal expenses,” The Wilmington News-Journal reports. “They also requested an audit by the Federal Elections Commission into her past campaign funds,” the Wilmington News-Journal reports.

In NBC's Kelly O'Donnell's TODAY show spot, Christine O'Donnell denied she spent campaign money from a previous race on personal expenses. "I am confident we have been ethical," she said. "We have not, I personally have not misused the campaign funds."

O'Donnell dismissed the claims as politically motivated and blamed liberals: "They're scared that the person that Harry Reid called his 'pet' is not gonna get the seat. The momentum surrounding this campaign is obvious that's why they're creating baseless accusations."

FLORIDA: “Gov. Charlie Crist, who is running for the U.S. Senate without party affiliation, launched a new commercial on Monday attacking former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the Republican nominee in the race, for backing earmarks and special projects,” Sunshine State News reports. “While Crist had pledged not to go negative, with Rubio leading in the polls by double digits, the governor is now trying to hammer the GOP nominee.”

Mitt Romney will campaign with Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott, the Florida Times-Union writes.

MASSACHUSETTS: In the governor's race, Deval Patrick is up 41%-34% over Charles Baker with Tim Cahill getting 14%, according to a new Suffolk poll.

"In the first two weeks of September, the Democratic Party and ticket spent $1.06 million on ads, Republican challenger Charles D. Baker spent $584,000, and independent challenger Timothy P. Cahill spent $416,000, reports filed yesterday with the state show," the Boston Globe reports.

NEVADA: “Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had an unusual form of praise for New York's junior senator, Kirsten Gillibrand,” at a fundraiser Mayor Bloomberg threw for Reid at the mayor’s townhouse, “referring to [Gillibrand] as ‘the hottest member’ as she sat just a few feet away,” Politico reports.

NEW YORK: "Stung by Carl Paladino's below-the-belt attacks, an angry Andrew Cuomo summoned his war council on Monday to figure out how to fight back against his slash-and-burn GOP rival," the New York Daily News reports. 'If a guy says you have no cojones, how do you punch him back, call him an a--hole?' the Democratic gubernatorial candidate fumed in a secret talk to his team, one insider said. 'We have all this stuff [on Paladino] and we're on the defensive,' Cuomo groused, the insider added." This came after Paladino on Fox News criticized Cuomo's "arrogant, egotistical attitude" and "professional incompetence," and later following up with a letter to Cuomo challenging him to a debate: "Frankly, I dont think you have the cojones to face me and the other candidates in a open debate."

"[T]he Tea Party-backed Republican had circulated a flyer showing Cuomo in the shower, literally washing off the filth of 'special interest $$$,'" the New York Post reports.

OHIO: In a campaign stop for incumbent Gov. Ted Strickland, Vice President Biden “spoke for nearly 40 minutes about the country’s economic problems and how Strickland’s Republican opponent, John Kasich, represented the same Republicans that put the country and economy into “a ditch,” the Dayton Daily News reports.

PENNSYLVANIA: “President Obama, after trying last year to lure U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak out of the Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate, came to Philadelphia yesterday to try to help him defeat Sestak's opponent, former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey, on Nov. 2,” the Philadelphia Inquirer writes.

WEST VIRGINIA: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin for Senate, calling him “an invaluable leader.”

From NBC's Ken Strickland
Without explicitly saying how she'll vote tomorrow on whether to start debate on a bill which includes the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT), Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine seemed to echo a point many other Republicans against the bill have raised: a military review of the issue should be completed before the law is repealed.

"We should all have the opportunity to review that report which is to be completed on December 1, as we reevaluate this policy and the implementation of any new changes," Snowe said in a written statement this afternoon.

The support of the Maine senator and her state colleague Susan Collins are viewed a critical for Democrats who need 60 votes to start debate on the Defense Authorization bill, which included the DADT language. That vote is set for tomorrow at 2:15p.

Snowe was also very critical of Majority Leader Harry Reid's handling of the process. Republicans have complained that Reid would likely limit the number of amendments that could be offered on the bill.

"It is therefore imperative that Senate deliberations on the defense bill be conducted without limitations and in a manner that allows for the consideration of all related amendments that Senators may wish to offer," she said.

Retired Gen. Colin Powell is clarifying a statement he made on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, when he said that illegal immigrants are “doing the things we need done in this country” and that some of them are laborers who are “all over my house.”

“We have millions and millions of illegal immigrants in our country, undocumented individuals, who are working, who are doing things we need done in this country,” he told NBC’s David Gregory on Sunday. "They're all over my house, doing things, making repairs. I’m sure you've seen them at your house.

In a statement posted on the NBC show's website, Powell underscored that he does not hire undocumented workers, merely that there are likely such contractors who work in his neighborhood.

“I don't hire illegal immigrants," he said in the clarifying statement. "On Meet the Press yesterday, I referred to illegal immigrants working around my house. I was referring to the many service contractors who work in my neighborhood, using mostly immigrant workers, who do good work. Some may well be "illegal."

“There are 11 million illegal immigrants in this country and most are working somewhere in our economy.”

Here’s the original video from Meet the Press:

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From NBC's Ken Strickland
As of late this morning, it's still unclear if Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has the 60 votes needed to start debate on a bill that would include a repeal of the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military.

The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)" language is tucked inside the larger Defense Authorization bill. The vote on "the motion to proceed" to the bill is scheduled for Tuesday at 2:15p.

Moderate Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, who often vote with Democrats on social issues, remain undecided on how they'll vote. As a member of Armed Services Committee, Collins voted with Democrats to include DADT in the defense bill. (And in case you didn't notice, the two are being heavily lobbied to support DADT by Lady Gaga, who's speaking at an event in Maine today. Lady Gaga also spoke today with New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, according to the senator's office; Gillibrand supports repeal.)

While Collins and Snowe are question marks, most Republicans are expected to vote against bringing it to the floor.

There's two primary reasons why: one about policy, and the other about politics.

On policy, Republicans say Congress shouldn't repeal the ban until the military has completed a review of the issue.

"Democrats have decided to put their own political interests ahead of the collective judgment of our military service chiefs, who are still in the midst of a study about whether [DADT] can be repealed without hurting combat readiness," Republican Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell said Thursday.

Virginia Democrat Sen. Jim Webb also subscribes to that view. He voted with Armed Service Committee Republicans last May to exclude it from the bill. If he votes with the GOP Tuesday, Reid will need at least two Republicans to produce 60 votes.

The other Republican objection is one of politics. McConnell and others feel that Reid is calling up Democratic campaign issues and forcing Republicans to vote against them through a rushed process. Reid said he also plans to attach an immigration measure to the defense bill that would give young illegal immigrants a path to citizenship--the Dream Act.

"Unfortunately, the Democrats' whole game plan over the past year and a half and through today is to tick as many items as possible off their liberal wish list while they have a chance," McConnell said.

But even if Reid is able to produce the 60 votes to get the defense bill to the floor Tuesday, he said last week that it is unlikely the Senate will able to complete its work on the bill before adjourning for the pre-election recess.

*** UPDATE 3:59 pm ET *** Former President Carter issued a written statement after his comments aired:

"What I meant was, for 27 years the Carter Center has provided me with superior opportunities to do good."

In an interview with NBC's Brian Williams, former President Jimmy Carter, who has been a target of the right through the years, lauded his own post-presidency, telling Williams, "I feel that my role as a former president is probably superior to that of other presidents."

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Carter, who is out with a new book defending his legacy, backed up his assertion by saying the Carter Center goes where the United States government does not, "to fill the vacuums in the world."

"The Carter Center has decided, under my leadership, to fill the vacuums in the world," Carter said. "When the United States won't deal with troubled areas, we go there and we meet their leaders who can bring an end to a conflict, or an end to human rights abuse, and so forth. So I feel that [I] have an advantage over many other former presidents in being involved in daily affairs that have shaped the policies of our nation and the world."

Before Barack Obama was sworn in as president in January 2009, the living presidents (and then-President-elect Obama), gathered for an Oval Office photo shoot -- with Carter notably standing off to the side, apart from the group.

Asked if he feels he is treated differently because of the active role he has taken as a former president, like going to North Korea, for example, Carter said, "Yeah, sometimes. And I can understand that. ... I can see how it makes sometimes the incumbent president uncomfortable to have me doing things of this kind, when political niceties don't let-- him or his administration do them."

Here's the transcript of the interview:

BRIAN WILLIAMS: The last photo of you with your-- fellow former presidents, you were well off to the side on the right. And I thought to myself, well, there's-- there's a possible metaphor. What is it-- about you, you think, the way you've-- decided to conduct your life and post-presidency? Do you feel listened to? Do you feel-- that you receive your due? Or do you feel, in fact, apart from the crowd?

JIMMY CARTER: No. I-- I feel that my role as a former president is probably superior to that of other presidents. Primarily because of the activism and the-- and the injection of working at the Carter Center and in international affairs, and to some degree, domestic affairs, on energy conservation, on-- on environment, and things of that kind. We're right in the midst of the-- of the constant daily debate.

And-- and-- and the Carter Center has decided, under my leadership, to fill the vacuums in the world. When-- when the United States won't deal with troubled areas, we go there and we meet their leaders who can bring an end to a conflict, or an end to human rights abuse, and so forth. So I-- I feel that have an advantage over many other former presidents in being involved in daily affairs that have shaped the policies of our nation and the world.

BRIAN WILLIAMS: And do you think you're treated differently because of that?

JIMMY CARTER: Yeah, sometimes. And I can understand that. For instance, we-- I just got back from a trip to North Korea. We haven't had a-- a day of peace talks with North Korea since 2009. And this is one of the-- needs in the global affairs, is to bring about denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, and also to have a permanent peace agreement between the United-- among the United States and-- South Korea and North Korea.

We go there. I go to Pyongyang. I meet with their leaders. I talk to them. I bring back their messages to the State Department and to the White House. And-- and I think we fill, you know, a legitimate need. But I can see how it makes sometimes the incumbent president uncomfortable to have me doing things of this kind, when political niceties don't let-- him or his administration do them.

BRIAN WILLIAMS: There goes Jimmy Carter again.

JIMMY CARTER: That's true.

BRIAN WILLIAMS: Yeah.

JIMMY CARTER: I know.