1.   Democrats consider Hinchey among their most endangered incumbents nationally and say his re-election is essential if they are to retake Congress.

2.   Endangered incumbents are typically first in line for help.

3.   Few races better exemplify the ways in which majority parties can assist endangered incumbents.

4.   If those Republican candidates can hang on, that would mean the party needs to defeat only one of several endangered Democratic incumbents to wrest control.

5.   Still, Holt is seen by both parties as one of the two most endangered Democratic incumbents in November, along with Michael Forbes of Long Island.

6.   With friends like Kennedy, endangered Democratic incumbents may not need any enemies.