Sensing a possible upset of Republican U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor, Democrats are marshaling their resources to help Democratic challenger Heath Shuler.

Former Gov. Jim Hunt has campaigned for Shuler, and former Sen. John Edwards plans to do so this week. Former Ambassador Jeanette Hyde is planning a fundraiser for Shuler at her Raleigh home Sept. 11. That event is sponsored by Democratic members of the Council of State.

A new poll shows Shuler, a former University of Tennessee quarterback, leading Taylor 48 percent to 43 percent. The survey was was taken by OnPoint Polling and Research, a Raleigh firm formed this year by pollster Dean Debnam and Democratic political consultants Mike Davis, Tim McKay and Bob Havely. The automated telephone survey of 731 likely 11th District voters was conducted Aug. 14 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.

While the Taylor-Shuler race is getting most of the national attention, Democratic challenger Larry Kissell is trying to drum up interest -- and raise money -- in his challenge against Republican U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes. Kissell is circulating a poll showing he is within striking distance of Hayes.

Hayes holds a 46 percent to 42 percent lead over Kissell, according to a poll conducted by Anzalone Liszt Research, Kissell's polling firm. The survey of 400 likely voters was conducted Aug. 8-13 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.

In a third House race drawing national interest, Republican Vernon Robinson has been running a radio ad lampooning 13th District Democratic Rep. Brad Miller.

The ad uses the theme song from "The Beverly Hillbillies" TV show with new lyrics criticizing Miller for supporting illegal immigrants.

Texas governor is hint

The eyes of Texas will be on North Carolina state Sen. Fred Smith on Saturday night when Texas Gov. Rick Perry headlines a fundraiser for Smith in Clayton.

The appearance by the Texas governor who succeeded George W. Bush is another indication that Smith is preparing to run for governor in 2008, even though the fundraiser is officially for his legislative re-election campaign.

Smith, a developer, has had a number of high-profile political figures headline his annual fundraiser at his house, including U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr of North Carolina and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Smith said he met Perry last year while attending a Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington.

Dole's rallier role

Dole will be campaigning for GOP Senate candidates during the final two weeks of August.

Dole is scheduled to be in Montana on Wednesday for Sen. Conrad Burns. On Friday, she will be in Washington for businessman Mike McGavick, who is challenging Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell.

The following week she will be in Tennessee stumping for former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, who is running for the open seat of retiring Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, and in Michigan, where Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard is challenging Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow. She will be in Pennsylvania for Sen. Rick Santorum.

Dole is chairwoman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.