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Politics has been put on hold in Missouri as the state deals with the death of Gov. Mel Carnhan. But once the campaigning resumes, Democrats are unsure how to proceed.

Once confident that support for the popular Carnahan would draw voters to the polls, state and national Democrats are beginning to express concern that his lost U.S. Senate candidacy could translate into statewide losses for the party on Election Day. One scenario already being floated — the possibility that Carnahan's widow, Jean, would take his place in the Senate race against incumbent Sen. John Ashcroft (R).
• Fallout From Carnahan's Death Worries Party (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/19/00)
• Politics on Hold After Carnahan’s Death (Columbia Missourian, 10/19/00)
• Campaign Rhetoric Eases After Carnahan Death—but for How Long?
(Associated Press, 10/18/00)
• Democrats Have Short Time to Act on Senate (Springfield News-Leader, 10/19/00)

As for Ashcroft's campaign, political analysts say that the senator is faced with the unenviable task of having to continue a reelection campaign even as a state tragedy overshadows the election.
• Ashcroft in Awkward Position (Springfield News-Leader, 10/19/00)
• More Coverage: Mo. Senate Race

Michigan: Barbara Bush Hits the Campaign Trail

With the crucial state of Michigan still up for grabs in the presidential race, George W. Bush has pulled out a secret weapon to woo women voters — his mom. Though recent polls show Bush holding a slim lead in the state, he still trails Vice President Gore among women by as much as 9 points.
• Bush's Mom Joins His Wife in Michigan (The Detroit News, 10/19/00)
• Women Lead Way for Bush (Detroit Free Press, 10/19/00)
• GOP Women Support Bush Campaign (Associated Press, 10/19/00)

Utah 2nd District: Matheson Targeted by GOP

With Democratic House candidate Jim Matheson still leading Republican Derek Smith in Utah's 2nd Congressional District race, the GOP is using a $1 million broadcast blitz of hard-hitting radio and television ads to portray Matheson as a far-left liberal.
• GOP Sets Sights on Matheson (The Salt Lake Tribune, 10/19/00)
• Utah GOP: We Need Lots of Money (Associated Press, 10/19/00)
• Special Interest Groups Add Fuel to House Race (Deseret News, 10/18/00)
• Poll: GOP Strong, Smith Closing Gap (Provo Daily Herald, 10/16/00)
• More Coverage: Utah 2nd District

N.Y. Senate: Still Trailing, Lazio Contends With Weak GOP Ticket

First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) is maintaining her lead in New York's Senate race, causing doubt that Republican Rep. Rick Lazio (R) can win even among his own supporters. Further hindering Lazio's bid is the weak showing of presidential candidate George W. Bush in New York state.
• Pessimism Found Amid Lazio Voters (Albany Times-Union, 10/19/00)
• Rick Scopes Out Middle (New York Daily News, 10/19/00)
• More Coverage: N.Y. Senate Race

President Clinton is showing political dedication to his new home state of New York. Next week, the president will anchor a unique Democratic fundraiser for state legislative candidates.
• N.Y. Dems to Get a Hand From Bill (New York Daily News, 10/19/00)

North Carolina: Helms Still Hasn't Found What He's Looking For?

According to a Capitol Hill news report, arch-conservative Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) was so moved by a meeting with rock star Bono, lead singer of the group U2, that he's ready to quit the Senate and fight world poverty.
• Aides Find Helms Tale Perplexing (Raleigh News & Observer, 10/14/00)
• Profile: Sen. Jesse Helms

"The Subway Series is so far beyond politics. I mean it's more important than politics." – N.Y. Senate candidate — and self-proclaimed Yankees fan — Hillary Rodham Clinton, on the messy convergence of New York politics and baseball. Her Republican opponent, Rep. Rick Lazio, supports the cross-town Mets.
• Rudy's in Stitches as Hillary Says She'll Root for Yanks
(New York Post, 10/19/00)

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