While the right wing propaganda machines are spinning Election 2004 as one complete disaster for the Democrats here's something they should or shouldn't know.
2004 saw big gains for what I am calling the "Western Caucus" - an emerging Democratic majority in several key Western states, including New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, and even Montana.
In 2004 Democrat Ken Salazar replaced retiring Republican Ben Nighthorse Campbell in Colorado, Brian Schweitzer became the Governor of Montana, and they are joined by big name Democrats from New Mexico - like Governor Bill Richardson, and Senators from Nevada, like Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.
What it means that the traditional "liberal elite" places like Taxachusetts and Hollywood are no longer fair game for the right wing.
A new group of voices, with the tremendous capability to lead the party, is emerging.
It is my hope that in '06 and '08 we can put more attention on retaining our grounds on the West Coast, Northeast, and Upper Midwest, and start to look to picking up more wins in this area of the country.
Does anybody know what seats are up for reelection in 2005-2007 in the Rockies?