OH-05 vs. NY-13, is there anything to learn here?

Yesterday there was a special Congressional election in OH-05, northwest Ohio. The only reason I bring this up is the voting break down is very similar to NY-13. Both in 2006 and yesterday the Republican won the race 57-43%, which was the final here in 2006 between Fossella and Harrison.

OH-05 2006
Gillmor (R) - 56.85%
Weirauch (D) - 43.15%

OH-05 2007 (Dec 11)
Latta, Robert (R) - 56.87%
Weirauch, Robin (D) - 42.95%

NY-13 2006
Fossella (R) - 56.80%
Harrison (D) - 43.20%

The difference in the districts comes in the partisan make up of the voters. OH-05 has a PVI of R+10 whereas NY-13 has a PVI of D+.5. To put it another way take a look at the Bush v. Kerry totals in the two districts;

OH-05
Bush - 60.93%
Kerry - 38.53%

NY-13
Bush - 54.61%
Kerry - 44.50%

So a much more conservative and Republican leaning district in Ohio gave us as close of a Congressional race as we have here. Why?

I haven't had time to formulate any thoughts on this myself except to say that there appears to be unsatisfied Republican voters who are voting against the party message. The Republicans had two different candidates in 2006 and 2007 so it seems as though there is more of an issue of frustration at Bush and/or the party than at the candidate regardless of who it is. If true this would be the precursor for us in 2008. Keep Fossella connected to Bush.

Of course this probably all goes out the window if Giuliani is on the top of the ballot.