Businesswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (D) had a friend in Pennsylvania this week: House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) stopped by Erie to endorse and campaign for the Democrat.

Dahlkemper is challenging Rep. Phil English, a seven-term Republican who is getting his greatest challenge in almost a decade from the political newcomer.

A recent SurveyUSA poll taken for Roll Call gave Dahlkemper a 4 percent edge over English. In the automated poll of 618 likely voters taken Sept. 26-28, Dahlkemper led English 49 percent to 45 percent. The margin of error was 4 points.

The race has also become a top target for both national parties: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has put $416,300 into the race, and the the National Republican Congressional Committee has spent $177,600 so far.