From the National Journal's Hotline

FL Dems 10/7 "touted voter registration figures showing 'another huge surge' in party ranks that gives Barack Obama an edge" in the state. With the registration period ending 10/6, Dems this year signed up 360K new voters through 9/30, "nearly twice as many" as the 190K that signed up as GOPers. Nearly half of new Dems "are under 35." Overall, through 9/30, the state's electorate is now 41.3% Dem, 36% GOP and 22.7% indie. "Final figures" through the end of the registration period "won't be available for a few weeks."

Obama FL co-chair/Rep. Robert Wexler (D-19): "These registration numbers are indicative of the level of excitement and energy behind Barack Obama. For Democrats, it bodes well."

Palm Beach Co. GOP Chair Sid Dinerstein: "It always makes it harder if the other side registers more voters. But we're going to keep fighting the good fight."

The VP's in the Bay Area: Welcome to the I-4 corridor

With Obama leading in South FL, and John McCain "well ahead" in North FL and SW Florida, "the decisive battleground could be the Tampa Bay area." In recent elections, "the results from the five-county region have been virtually identical to the statewide totals." Mason-Dixon pollster Brad Coker: "Tampa Bay has always been the most pivotal area."

Joe Biden heads to the Tampa Bay area today, where Obama prepared for the first pres. debate "two weeks ago." Biden will hold rallies in Tampa and Fort Myers. Sarah Palin was in Clearwater 10/6.