Dems smell blood

A couple of interesting articles about how the Democrats are feeling their oats in this election cycle, from Barack Obama campaigning in places where Republicans have done well recently, to what portends to potentially be a good Senate race in Thomas Frank's favorite state. These, plus Obama spending the Independence Day in Montana, makes it seem like this is going to be a great year to be a Democrat. Not only are all of the blue states last time around safe, but states like Georgia, Kansas, and Montana are going to bring them good news. So the GOP is doomed, right?

As Lee Corso says, not so fast my friend. McCain is up 10 in Georgia, and the senator supposedly in trouble in Kansas is Pat Roberts. The article itself says the Dem running against Roberts is late to the gate, and is behind in fundraising. Montana may be a problem, though. I am not sure of all the political dynamics of Montana, but currently Obama has been holding slim leads in the polls. And, they have been electing some Dems statewide recently. But, Obama is going to really have to move to the center on a lot of issues to ultimately get Montana.

Don't get me wrong, the GOP is in trouble nationally this year. But, they do have pickup opportunities in the presidential election (think Michigan, especially if Mitt Romney gets the VP nod). A lot is going to hinge on how things are going at the gas pump. I think the big question this time around is going to be, "Who has the policies that will lower my gas prices?" Frankly, as Mr D. stated this evening, the no-drilling, drive Priuses stance the Democratic Party has on this issue may hurt them. The US has never been as strong on the environment as other countries. We have our limits.

This is going to be an interesting election. I may finally start talking about it more here.