New York’s congressional races may offer a glimpse of how GOP fares nationally

New York’s congressional delegation may be among the bluest of the blue, but a day before the Nov. 2 elections its role is closer to that of a canary in coal mine.

Republicans represent just two of the state’s 29 congressional districts, but the GOP is hoping to pick up several seats, part of its campaign to capture the House of Representatives. New Yorkers will also have to choose two senators this year, but the polls show both Democrats are prohibitive favorites.

So it is on the House side that the GOP has focused, and how well it does may be an indication of how powerful is the national GOP tide. Polls and pundits say there are at least six to eight seats that the GOP has a strong shot of winning back.

Former President Bill Clinton, who seemingly has campaigned everywhere, was traveling through New York on Monday before heading to Florida. Clinton now makes his home in suburban New York City.

Clinton gave his standard speech about the Democrats representing the future while Republicans wanted to go back to the past, but it wasn’t the message that was important; it was the location. He spoke in Saratoga Springs, the resort city known for horse racing and gambling, in support of Scott Murphy. From there he went to Watertown, up near the Canadian border, to support Rep. Bill Owens, who, like Murphy, won his seat in a special election.

Republicans have also targeted congressmen in the Hudson Valley, southern tier, Syracuse and on Long Island.

Michael.muskal@latimes.com

Twitter.com/LATimesmuskal