Question Of The Day: How Significant Are '09 Races?

How significant, nationally, are the three major campaigns going on right now--the New Jersey and Virginia gubarnatorial races and the special House election in New York's 23rd district? Can we call them referendums on President Obama and Democratic governance, or are they only important in the states where they're taking place?

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http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2009/10/question-of-the-day-how-significant-are-09-races/28746/