Jason Davidek

HARRISBURG -- Barack Obama's support in Pennsylvania, despite a double-digit lead in most polls, is relatively soft in western Pennsylvania.

AFL-CIO President Bill George is trying to change that.

In a press conference at the Capitol, the powerful union head said he thinks 71 percent of union members will strongly support the Democratic presidential nominee on Election Day -- higher than the percentage U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) received in 2004 and 2 points lower than the support former vice president Al Gore received in 2000.

If his Monday press conference was any indication, he will focus on two issues to persuade union members -- tax cuts and social security.

"You can see the influence of John McCain is still about Wall Street," George said.

This article is by Dan Hirschhorn in Philadelphia and Alex Roarty in Harrisburg.

With Election Day less than two weeks away, PolitickerPA.com turned to resident political insiders to help determine which state House races are the most competitive in Pennsylvania. As Democrats try to expand their narrow majority, Republicans try to take back control of the chamber and candidates throughout the state encounter changing demographics in the electorate, there is no shortage of tightly-contested races.

The five ranked below, starting with the most competitive and with incumbents listed first (one open seat being the exception), are just a way to start the conversation.

Don't agree with the order? Think we've left important races out? Want to make a list of your own? We invite you to post comments.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin: Getty Images PhotoPennsylvania Republicans think the enthusiasm generated by vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin could boost grassroots support for local GOP candidates, particularly in state House races that will determine whether the party recaptures the majority in the legislative body.

Al Bowman, spokesman for the House Republican Campaign Committee, said the level of enthusiasm Palin has brought is unlike anything he's seen since he entered politics in the early 1990s.

"There's definitely an energy out there that wasn't there before," Bowman said. "In my time in politics, I can't remember anything like it."

The excitement matters because it can translate not just to more votes, but perhaps more importantly, because it can turn once complacent supporters into high-energy volunteers who can knock on doors not just for the presidential ticket, but also for local candidates.

"That gives you a boost you can't get from a TV spot or some of the mass mailings," Bowman said. "It's just something you can't quantify.