Yesterday I updated our
Senate Outlook page, and after the dust had cleared, Brad Carson's Oklahoma senate race had dropped to our fourth most likely pickup opportunity (down from the #2 slot).
The "demotion" (if you can call it that) stemmed from two new developments -- the sudden retirement of Sen. Campbell and subsequent shakeout in Colorado, and the entrance into the Oklahoma race of popular former Rep. Tom Coburn. Even if Coburn survives the Republican primary (no done deal), this seat is still one of our best pickup opportunities.
The Carson campaign has responded to my new senate rankings over at the DSCC's blog, From the Roots. Carson's campaign has also launched its own blog.
This growing dialogue between the party (DNC, DSCC, DCCC and various campaigns) and the blogosphere is an exciting development this election cycle, and should pay dividends both in the short and long terms.
And it's not just Daily Kos. These party and campaigns should work hard to reach out to regional bloggers, like the DCCC's plug today of Illinois blogger Archpundit. Both the DCCC and DSCC should take a look at the excellent work of regional bloggers like Colorado Luis (CO), the Burnt Orange Report (TX), and others like them.