REGION — From U.S. president to state senate seats, a raft of offices are up for grabs around the country when voters go to the polls on November 8.

Among the surest bets is the probable outcome of the New York contest for the seat of Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer, who is being challenged by Republican Wendy Long. A recent Siena College poll showed Schumer with 66% of likely voters to Long’s 27%.

In contrast, the race to take over Chris Gibson’s seat in New York’s 19th Congressional District is among the closest in the country, with polls showing a 1% difference in support for Democratic law professor Zephyr Teachout and Republican lobbyist John Faso. Spending by outside, independent groups that are not supposed to coordinate with the candidates, has blossomed to $7.8 million. 

PA’s U.S. Senate race, discussed in last week’s editorial, pitting Republican Pat Toomey against Democrat Kate McGinty, is both a close and a consequential one, which could swing the Senate balance of power. 
And for local energy activists, the New York State Senate race between longtime incumbent Republican John Bonacic and Democrat Pramilla Malick is a crucial one to watch.

To see which candidates your neighbors are supporting, go to Letters to the Editor. We received too many letters to print in the paper, but all can be read online.