Harry Reid

WASHINGTON - Four years after the GOP successfully sunk the Democratic leader in the U.S. Senate, Democrats are giving Republicans the reverse treatment by going after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

For the last three weeks, national Democrats have barraged Kentucky media markets with television advertisements slamming McConnell (R-Louisville). The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee's newest TV ad, out this week, shows McConnell as a delivery truck driver while a narrator says the Republican "backed George Bush's crazy spending and delivered a $10 trillion debt."

In a press conference today, DSCC Chairman Chuck Schumer was repeatedly pressed on whether the decision to target the opposing party's leader was proper. He responded that after Republicans succeeded in targeting then-party leader Tom Daschle in 2004, Democrats had a free hand to go after McConnell.

Sarah Palin made it a point to mention that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid can't stand John McCain, but understandably didn't mention that deep down, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell doesn't feel much differently.  McConnell and McCain have served together in the Senate for 22 years, and have never been expecially close; McCain's support of campaign finance reform, an issue that made McConnell''s blood curdle, didn't help.  But McConnell, ever the team player, is at least putting on a rather enthusiastic game face.

MINNEAPOLIS -- U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) told Utah's delegation to the Republican National Convention that retaking the majority in the Senate this year was something his party would likely not be able to do.

According to a report from the Salt Lake Tribune, McConnell said the "numbers were daunting" in Senate contests.

"There's virtually no chance we can get the Senate back," McConnell reportedly noted.

Democrats currently hold a 50 to 48 advantage in the Senate, with 2 independents, though there are a number of hotly-contested races across the country. Many analysts expect some Republican seats to change hands. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) recently claimed that number could hit four.

The third day of the Democratic National Convention will be called to order at 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday, with a theme of "Securing America's Future."

The day will begin with the nominating process for President, including nominating speeches for U.S. Sens. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.), followed by a roll call vote.

The headline speaker will be vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.).

Featured speakers will include President Bill Clinton (D), U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Gov. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.), U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.).

The full schedule is below.