This is just in from our Washington D.C. correspondent, Barb Barrett:

By Barbara Barrett
Washington correspondent
WASHINGTON – Scotty-mania hit Capitol Hill today, where North Carolina’s congressional delegation appears to agree that Scotty McCreery ought to win “American Idol” this week.
U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, a Greensboro Democrat, has invited the entire state delegation and their staffs to a watch party this evening at the home of one of her staff members. Hagan also called McCreery last week to congratulate him on coming so far in the contest.
Meanwhile GOP U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, whose 2nd District includes McCreery’s hometown of Garner, wanted to chat this afternoon about her famous constituent’s chances.

Here is another batch of letters to the editor about U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge's confrontation with two young men armed with a video camera. (Watch the incident here. See Etheridge's apology here.)

Lots of letters, many in support of U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, are pouring in about the congressman's confrontation with two young men with a video camera and a microphone. Here is a sampling, including some from out of state. You likely will see several of these letters in print over the next few days. What's your take on the video? 2 p.m. UPDATE: more letters.