Breathing Down Someone's Neck

In politics, as in horse races, to be breathing down someone's neck is to be very close behind that person in a race. 


Example: "But it was a surprise. Only one week after his upset victory over Rick Lazio in the Republican primary, Paladino is now breathing down Cuomo’s neck.

Only six points separate Cuomo and Paladino in the Quinnipiac University poll. Cuomo now leads 49-43, with a plus or minus error of 3.6."

(Source: CBSNewYork)