The Albany Times Union reports that the field to replace retiring Rep. Michael R. McNulty, D-N.Y., is now set. “Four Democratic candidates emerged from the petition-filing deadline Thursday, chopping in half the crowded field that once numbered up to 10 Democratic hopefuls in the most competitive 21st [District] race in more than 50 years.” Among the contenders in the Democratic-leaning district are former state Assemblyman Paul Tonko and Tracey Books, who worked as Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s regional director. Two Republicans also filed Thursday. The primary is Sept. 9.

The Fort Collins Coloradoan reports that the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund continues to spend heavily in its campaign against Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Colo. The political arm of Defenders of Wildlife, a national environmental group, mounted a $200,000 advertising campaign last month criticizing Musgrave “for taking contributions from energy groups, voting against enhanced fuel efficiency standards and for tax breaks for energy companies,” the newspaper said. A report filed with the Federal Election Commission this week shows that the group spent another $18,000 to set up an on-the-ground effort in Northern Colorado. The group has endorsed Musgrave’s Democratic opponent, Betsy Markey.