U.S. Senate '06--Time to Up the Ante!!!

We've had the wind at our back a bit lately, and that never hurts.  With Montana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Missouri all leaning our way or within the margin of error, the attention during the last week has been on the tremendous progress realized in both Virginia and Tennessee.  With significant help from their opponents, both Jim Webb and Harold Ford, Jr. have real momentum now, and are looking like genuinely-strong contenders for those critical seats.  

But this is certainly no time to rest on whatever laurels we might have.  In fact, I think it's time to up the ante, and really apply the pressure to the Repugs!!!  For my why and how, join me across the jump!

Harold Ford enjoys a significant funding advantage over Corker at present, and he is pressing him hard, challenging him to debate even as he scrambles for bux and fights off a more-than-pesky corruption charge.  Jim Webb is gaining on funds and support as the Southwestern Virginia native takes Felix to school on the real "real America", real patriotism, and real appreciation for Virginians of all hues and backgrounds.

So where does that leave us?  I submit that, in this pre-Labor Day period, it's time to press the case and improve our odds.  We have two races that are on the bubble, and might prove useful in stretching the Repugs' defense and bettering our chances of retaking the Senate Majority.  

You see, uncharacteristically, the Dems hold a current funding advantage over the Repugs.  The key is to make them spend those scarce resources in as many races as possible.  The Chair of their Senate campaign, Liddy Dole, is a control freak in a game that is rapidly spinning out of her, and their control.  I propose nothing to relieve her discomfort.  

Both the Arizona and Nevada seats are viewed as potential pickups.  Neither, however, is yet competitive.  Can we help do something about that?  Let's see.  

Incumbent Jon Kyl in Arizona has all the charisma of a two-day-old cod.  He is one of Bush's most ardent and reliable supporters.  He has, in fact, led the charge on Estate Tax Reform, NSA Spying, Anti-Immigration, and many other Wingnut Faves.  In fact, interestingly enough, on immigration, he is at least 100 degrees away from his seatmate and nominal campaign chairman, John McCain, who is very popular here.  Fact is, their votes often diverge.  So Jim Pederson, wealthy developer and former party chair, has a target-rich environment.  

So far, tho, he's aired nicey-nice warm-and-fuzzy spots, mildly opposing Kyl's anti-immigration stance and position of estate taxes.  I guess he's trying to build a comfort level with the voters, but unless he starts whacking at Kyl's wide-but-thin positives, he won't have a chance to break through here.  If they've got some secret plan to start takin' names around Labor Day, fine.  Otherwise, even Janet Napolitano's considerable cachet as Governor won't help him.  Time to step it up, Jim!

In neighboring Nevada, Jack Carter has been with us here, and is well thought of.  His incredible father and family support him, and (finally!), it looks like Harry Reid is beginning to chime in on his side.  I'm not familiar w/all the dynamics in Nevada, and would be glad to hear others' thoughts on that, but I would observe the following:

Both Arizona and Nevada are growing rapidly, the two fastest in the nation.  Both, additionally, have large and growing Latino populations, generally pissed at the Repugs for their perceived bigotry on immigration.  Both already have strong Dems elected statewide (Napolitano & Goddard in Az., Reid in Nevada).  If we can help light a fire under these two campaigns, our chances of retaking the Senate will improve markedly.  We can help keep the Repugs on their heels, and provide a hedge against such close races as Ohio, Missouri, and Rhode Island, in case those don't go our way.  

What do u say, Kossacks??? Can we add two more to the mix??