Democrats need to refocus on how we can start winning again. 2008 is too far away. We should start planning TODAY how we can work towards, if not retaking the Senate, at least narrowing the gap. I think it's possible.
- Gephardt challenges Jim Talent for his Missouri Senate seat. I think it's winnable if Gephardt drowns out the morality bullshit with a consistent, focused economic message.
- The DSCC issues an ultimatum to Lincoln Chafee--switch parties, fool, or we'll run Patrick Kennedy against you and he'll win. Rhode Island is the bluest state in the union and it is served poorly by having a Republican senator.
- Similar ultimatum to Olympia Snowe. While Maine is an uphill battle, a well-funded challenge by Gov. John Baldacci would have a real shot at unseating her. Why can't Democrats be RINO-hunters? Hopefully, Club for Growth will challenge the RINOs from the right and weaken them further.
Democrats need to refocus on how we can start winning again. 2008 is too far away. We should start planning TODAY how we can work towards, if not retaking the Senate, at least narrowing the gap. I think it's possible.
- Gephardt challenges Jim Talent for his Missouri Senate seat. I think it's winnable if Gephardt drowns out the morality bullshit with a consistent, focused economic message.
- The DSCC issues an ultimatum to Lincoln Chafee--switch parties, fool, or we'll run Patrick Kennedy against you and he'll win. Rhode Island is the bluest state in the union and it is served poorly by having a Republican senator.
- Similar ultimatum to Olympia Snowe. While Maine is an uphill battle, a well-funded challenge by Gov. John Baldacci would have a real shot at unseating her. Why can't Democrats be RINO-hunters? Hopefully, Club for Growth will challenge the RINOs from the right and weaken them further.
- In Virginia, a red-but-should-be-blue state, 1st-termer George Allen could be unseated by Gov. Mark Warner, one of our up-and-coming southern Democratic leaders. Allen unseated an incumbent in 2000, I think it could happen again.
- Nevada is in a similar situation as Virginia. Red-but-should-be-blue and a 1st term senator, John Ensign, who doesn't have a distinguished record yet. Unfortunately, not a lot of strong Nevada Democrats right now who could mount an effective challenge. Maybe Rep. Shelley Barkley of Las Vegas, if she's well-funded.
In addition, who knows which Republican senators are about to retire. Any retirements, even in red states, create potential pickups. Remember how close Brad Carson came in OK.
Dems will have to fend off challengers in Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, and Nebraska, but I think it's doable. Of course, we need a national blue tide for this all to happen. Remember the first rule of money in politics: early money is like yeas, it makes the dough rise. Contribute today. www.dscc.org