NEW YORK, NY March 30, 2009 —Tomorrow the eyes of the nation will be on lots of tiny towns and some larger ones in upstate New York. The reason? An election in New York's 20th congressional district, which stretches north along the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie to Lake Placid. It's the seat once held by now-Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

Unemployment in the district is at around ten percent and the race is focused squarely on national issues. It's seen as a test for the Republican party which is trying to claw its way back from last November's rout.

Joining WNYC from Saranac Lake, New York is North Country Public radio reporter Brian Mann.