to Larkin, a retired Army lieutenant colonel.

Republicans say the fact Skoufis, according to the source, told Larkin directly he would not challenge him is a blow to the Dems, coming weeks after the GOP won a commanding victory in a special Senate election in the Binghamton area.

One source with ties to the Senate Dems say they feel confident they can claim the Larkin seat whether Skoufis runs or not. The source said he seen data showing that Larkin is weak against "multiple opponents." He did not provide the numbers.

Also, the Dem said, Larkin defeated a Democrat with little institutional backing by only a narrow 52.5% to 47.5% margin in 2012, which was the last presidential year that often benefits Democrats when it comes to turnout.

"Bill Larkin is aPrague, 28 December 2000 (RFE/RL) -- Western press commentary continues to focus largely on the Middle East, even though it is now uncertain if Israeli and Palestinian leaders will meet soon to discuss new U.S. peace proposals. The two sides cancelled a planned meeting today in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt, but Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is attempting to convince both Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to reassess their positions. NEW YORK TIMES:

The New York Times urges both the Israelis and the Palestinians to take U.S. President Bill Clinton's new peace ideas as the basis for a final settlement, whether or not a framework agreement can be reached in the coming days or weeks. The paper says in an editorial: "[Mr.] Clinton has offered Israeli