The current dustup between President Bush and Democrats in Congress over a terrorism surveillance law demonstrates how issues on Capitol Hill can ricochet their way into the Presidential race.

Congress went out of town for a week plus break without final action on terrorism surveillance legislation, angering President Bush and handing Republicans an issue they're sure to put use against Democrats in Congress and Democrats on the Campaign Trail.

The GOP argument is simple: Democrats don't want laws that are tough enough to let US intelligence listen in on terrorist calls.  The line goes something like "If Osama Bin Laden called someone today, our intelligence agents couldn't listen in."

Democrats dispute that - arguing that the bi partisan plan which was approved by the Senate goes too far in a number of areas.  And their backers are just as adamant as President Bush in terms of their desire to stop this bill.

John McCain quickly lashed out at Democrats, saying "I think it's disgraceful that the House of Representatives didn't act."

Earlier this week, McCain voted for the Senate passed bill, while Barack Obama opposed efforts to force final action on the bill.  Hillary Clinton missed that day's votes.

Expect more back and forth on this for sure.