At this point many democrats are feeling giddy about the 2008 Senate/House picture. And why not, we have fewer seats to defend and the republicans are out of power with many internal party issues. Be warned majorities do not protect themselves, planning (50 state strategy) protects and grows majorities.
Our vulnerable seats are obvious the Louisiana, Senator Landrieu and South Dakota, Senator Johnson seats. On the other hand the republicans have many vulnerable seats based on possible scenarios. First and foremost, the Minnesota seat held by Senator Norm Coleman, the Colorado seat held by Senator Allard, the Oregon Seat held by Senator Gordon Smith and possible the Virginia open seat if John Warner retires would go to Gov. Mark Warner.
Possible challengers include:
MN: Mayor R.T. Rybak
While Al Franken would provide entertainment it’s time to go with a proven voter getter like Rybak or perhaps a hero with a story like Alan Paige would serve as a progressive make up call for Harold Ford’s loss.
CO: Rep. Mark Udall is prepared to take this seat
OR: Former Governor John Kitzhaber would give Gordon Smith a run for his money notably on the issue of healthcare.
VA: if John Warner Retires this seat would go for Mark Warner in a match up with perhaps George Allen or Gov. Gilmore.
But before the Democratic Party could zero in on these four seats and defend their two, we need to expand the playing field. Immediately, New Hampshire and Maine jump out as possible second tier races and rightfully.
ME: I hate to admit it but it seems progressives in Maine buy into the Susan Collins moderate line. Toward beating Susan Collins the Democratic Party is going to have to attract Former Gov. Angus King into the race and put up an independently wealthy candidate to put this senate race in play.
NH: In a wave election the Jeanne Shaheen re-match with Senator John Sununu could swing in the democratic direction.
But to make all of this happen the races have to be competitive in the south to suck away resources from the republican 72 hour program in competitive states. Consider this, by placing capable candidates on the ballot in SC, GA, AL, MS, NC, KY, and TN could diminish the republican cash machine. Consider the following candidates:
AL: Rep. Arthur Davis versus Senator Jeff Sessions
GA: Rep. Jim Marshall versus Senator Saxby Chambliss
SC: Former 2006 Gubernatorial Nominee Tommy Moore versus Senator Lindsey Graham
NC: Governor Mike Easley versus Senator Libby Dole.
MS: Former Attorney General Mike Moore versus Senator Thad Cochran
TN: Former Rep Harold Ford versus Senator Lamar Alexander
KY: At this point I cannot think of a KY opponent
My point is simple we need to recruit quality candidates at all tiers the first, second, and third tier races. I will give my House suggestions in a week but I leave you with one suggestion for the state of Indiana. We need to run Tim Roemer for Governor in 2008 to protect the three seats gained in 2006. He would make moderate to conservative voters stick with our guys as Mitch Daniels is unpopular, I know through brief conversations as an Illinois resident with Hoosiers. Governor Mitch Daniels attempt to Sell the Indiana toll road to an Argentina company plays into the economic populist message. We need to remember gains start at the top of the ticket, every state in 2006 with multiple democratic pick ups had good gubernatorial candidates.
If you can provide a reason why your pick is the best pick in 2008.