Well,
that certainly worked.
Now, while we're all still involved, it's time to start gearing up for 2008. We can't give the Republicans time to regroup. After all, we were this happy in 1992 as well.
If you're in one of the heartbreakingly close districts--NM-01, say, or WY-AL--now is the time to get organized for 2008. We can't let this election be a strange blip. You know there are plenty of progressives in your districts, now. You know you can win.
So what can you do?
(1) Keep your Democratic clubs organized and attend the meetings. Keep your mailing lists going. In off-years, Democratic clubs can primarily be social and charitable organizations, but they need to exist.
(2) Keep in touch with your candidates from this year. If they're interested, see if you can't get they to agree to a rematch in 2008. In 2004, Pombo beat McNerney 61.3%-38.7% in the (now Democratic) CA-11. Even if your candidate doesn't want to run again, don't lose hope--even without Hackett, OH-02 stayed competitive this year.
(3) Start local blogs, or if you already have, keep them going. Watch the Republican who squeaked through in your district the way a cat watches a mouse. Don't let them vote against their districts' interests without calling them on it. Punish them for supporting Bush over their constituencies.
(4) Don't get so distracted by the upcoming Presidential brou-ha-ha that you forget to focus on your district. President Feingold, or Clinton, or Vilsack, or Gore, or whoever ultimately wins won't be able to accomplish much if they have to meet with Speaker Tancredo on a regular basis.
Good luck in '08, all!
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