SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K


                                 CURRENT REPORT

                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       The Securities Exchange Act of 1934




                                OCTOBER 27, 2004
                                (Date of Report)




                             CNA SURETY CORPORATION
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)




                                     1-13277
                              (Commission File No.)



                DELAWARE                                   34-4144905
      (State or other jurisdiction)            (IRS Employer Identification No.)


      CNA PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                           60685
(Address of principal executive offices)                  (Zip code)


                                 (312) 822-5000
               (Registrant's telephone number, include area code)


      Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
           following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR
    230.425)

[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
    240.14a-12)

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange
    Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange
    Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))






ITEM 2.01.       COMPLETION OF ACQUISITION  OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS

                 See Exhibit 99 to this Form 8-K

ITEM 9.01.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

                 (c)     Exhibits

                         Exhibit 99 - CNA Surety Corporation Press Release
                         issued on October 27, 2004.







                                   SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.





                             CNA SURETY CORPORATION
                             (Registrant)



                       By:   /s/  John F. Corcoran   
                             -------------------------------------------------
        
                             John F. Corcoran
                             Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer





Dated:      October 27, 2004






                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

           99.  CNA Surety Corporation Press Release issued on October 27, 2004.