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Politics has taken an abrupt and unexpected backseat in the race to replace retiring North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer (R) as Democratic candidate Heidi Heitkamp fights cancer.

Heitkamp underwent surgery Monday to remove cancerous tissue in her right breast, just a few days after tests confirmed the illness. Doctors say Heitkamp's procedure is common and her prospects for a full recovery are "encouraging." Heitkamp, the state attorney general since 1993, vowed last week to stay in the race against Republican opponent John Hoeven, though she has not made it known when she will resume a full campaign schedule.
• Heitkamp Undergoes Cancer Surgery (Fargo Forum, 09/26/00)
• Heitkamp Has Surgery (Bismark Tribune, 09/26/00)
• Heidi Has Surgery (Grand Forks Herald, 09/26/00)
• Heitkamp Has Cancer (Bismark Tribune, 09/21/00)
• More Coverage: N.D. Governor's Race

What affect has Heitkamp's illness had on other players in the race? Her running mate, state Sen. Aaron Krauter, has stepped up his campaign schedule to help carry the load, while Hoeven hopes to combat the emotion of Heitkamp's situation by sticking to economic development issues.
• Running Mate Steps Up (Williston Daily Herald, 09/22/00)
• Hoeven Focuses on the Issues (Grand Forks Herald, 09/26/00)

Mo. Governor: Candidates Play Nice in First Debate

Democratic State Treasurer Bob Holden and Republican Rep. Jim Talent met each other Monday night for their first debate in Missouri's gubernatorial election. And while the candidates staked out clear and distinct issue differences, both men mirrored their campaigns by keeping the debate clean and free of personal attacks.
• Holden, Talent Stress Differences but Remain Polite
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 09/26/00)
• Talent, Holden Face Off in First of Three Debates
(Jefferson City News Tribune, 09/22/00)
• More Coverage: Mo. Governor's Race

Mo. 6th District: Family Ties Bind Tossup Contest

After his mother Pat unexpectedly decided against seeking a fifth term in Congress, Steve Danner jumped in Missouri's 6th district race to keep the seat in the family, and Democratic hands. But Republican Sam Graves is mounting an aggressive campaign rooted in anti-Clinton, anti-government rhetoric to keep the contest close.
• Danner Hopes to Win House Seat Held By His Mother (Kansas City Star, 09/23/00)
• Graves Seeks to Claim Seat in U.S. House for GOP (Kansas City Star, 09/23/00)
• More Coverage: Mo. 6th District Race

N.C. Governor: Voucher Issue Does Little for Vinroot

North Carolina gubernatorial candidates Mike Easley (D) and Richard Vinroot (R) are sharply divided on the issue of school vouchers, with Vinroot championing the movement and Easley opposing it. But recent poll numbers show that Vinroot, who's trailing Easley by a considerable margin, appears to be going against the preference of North Carolina voters.
• Vinroot, Easley Differ on Voucher Programs (Winston-Salem Journal, 09/24/00)
• Easley, Bush Still Lead in Poll (Raleigh News & Observer, 09/22/00)
• More Coverage: N.C. Governor's Race

Whichever candidate wins will face a challenging number of environmental initiatives left over from the administration of Gov. Jim Hunt (D).
• Candidates Split on Clean Air Issue (Charlotte Observer, 09/26/00)

Ohio Senate: DeWine's Democratic Challenger Goes on Offensive

Lacking in funds and trailing badly in polls, Democrat Ted Celeste attacked a $2 million TV ad blitz launched last week by Republican Sen. Mike DeWine and referred to the GOP incumbent as an "enemy" of children.
• Celeste Casts DeWine as an 'Enemy' of Children (Toledo Blade, 09/23/00)
• Celeste Challenges DeWine Ads (The Columbus Dispatch, 09/23/00)
• More Coverage: Ohio Senate Race

"In lieu of flowers, vote Bush." – The final line in last week's obituary of Canton, Ohio, resident James E. Fete. Said his son, James Jr., the senior Fete "never missed voting in an election."
• In Lieu of Flowers, Here’s One Last Thing You Need to Remember
(Canton Repository, 09/22/00)

Jason Thompson can be reached at jason.thompson@washingtonpost.com. Early Returns runs Monday-Thursday.