The New York Times is saying that the drawn-out race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has hurt Obama’s image and Republicans are using his newly tarnished reputation to their advantage. And they’re not just targeting him - they’re aiming for Democrats down the ticket as well:

The Republican House and Senate campaign organizations have seized on the remark on bitter voters in particular, encouraging their candidates to make the most of it. Advertisements have been placed on the Internet, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee assembled videos for targeted states that replay Mr. Obama’s comments as somber music builds. “Mary Landrieu. A Democratic superdelegate,” says the video, referring to the Louisiana senator, who is seeking re-election this year. “Will she cast her vote for Obama?”

The article says Republicans were once afraid of Obama, as he seemed invincible, but recent scandals - “Bittergate” and the Rev. Jeramiah Wright debacle, to name a few - have pushed him off his pedestal and the GOP is seizing every opportunity to make sure it stays that way.

It also suggests that the GOP would like to see Clinton go up against John McCain in the general election, as she is the Democratic candidate that would ignite Republican voters to donate money and go to the polls in November:

At the same time, some Democrats privately said the new Republican push could be a backdoor effort to buoy Mrs. Clinton, the candidate Republicans initially saw as the Democrat who would most rally Republicans and spur fund-raising. It has not been lost on Republican strategists that they can give pause to superdelegates leaning toward endorsing Mr. Obama.

One thing’s for sure: this drawn-out race is not good for the Democratic party at all. While Clinton and Obama are duking it out, McCain is in full general election campaign mode and the GOP is strategically pitting Democrats against Obama. Superdelegates - especially those office-holders seeking re-election - have to be extra careful with their endorsements. This is an especially difficult task since many are calling for superdelegates to make up their minds quickly.

Will it all be over after the next contests in Indiana and North Carolina? We’ll soon find out.