James Carville (Getty)

Democratic political strategist James Carville is hosting a New Orleans fundraiser for Sen. Barbara Boxer tonight at his manse near Tulane University to help her avert – or defeat – a serious challenge for her seat in 2010.

“Senator Boxer is preparing for what could be a tough race,” her campaign chief Rose Kapolczynski said in a telephone message. “James Carville called and offered to host an event and said that Senator Boxer has been one of the real champions helping the people of New Orleans in recovering from [hurricane] Katrina.”  

Beyond Boxer’s interest in hurricane recovery , Carville and Boxer share bonds with the Clinton family . Carville was the guru behind President Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign, and Boxer’s daughter was once married to Hillary Rodham Clinton’s brother — making Hillary and Bill Clinton aunt and uncle to Boxer’s grandson.  

*To see how the 2010 Senate races are shaping up, check out the CQ Politics’ election map .*