Et Two, Jackson?

Dems hope Barack Obama will help draw higher turnout among black voters in several GOP-leaning CDs like NC-08 and OH-01. But will they see the same impact in LA, where they're counting on it most?

-- Dems already suffered a setback in LA-06 on 7/8 when Woody Jenkins (R) said he wouldn't run, clearing the way for state Sen. Bill Cassidy (R). But will a likely indie bid by African-American state Rep. Michael Jackson (D) doom their chances? Jackson was angry over what he perceived as nat'l Dems favoritism towards Don Cazayoux (D) in the special-election primary. Can Dems talk him out of a run before filing closes 7/11?

-- And in the open LA-04, a potential indie or primary bid by African-American state Sen. Lydia Jackson (D) could further damage Dem plans in what was looking like a very good pickup opportunity. Dems are preparing for GOPers to scour Caddo Parish DA Paul Carmouche's (D) 30-year record for anything that could look soft on crime. Will he now have to defend attacks on that record from the right and left?

-- Both Cazayoux and Carmouche are conservative Dems who fit their CDs well. But neither can afford to run against the headwinds that both Jacksons would present.