While I let myself get over-excited, over-involved and over-stimulated by all the interesting political sideshows of late (Schiavo, DeLay, Frist's nuclear option), I think we need to refocus our energies on whats really important (politically)

In 2005, we've got governor races in NJ and VA.  More importantly, we need to retain control of the NJ legislature and regain control of the General Assembly and State Senate in VA.

In 2006, we will need to ensure the reelection of 13 governors (AZ, IL, KS, ME, MI, NH, NM, OK, OR, PA, TN, WI, and WY) and retain the governorship in IA.  

Its also critical we fight (and oust) Republicans governors seeking reeclection in CA, GA, AL, HI, MD, MA, MN, NY, RI, SC, VT and TX.  Plus, we've got to win politically important open GOP held governorships in FL, CO, and OH.

And as important as winning the vast majority of the 36 governorships is in 2006, we cannot forget the importance of making gains in state legislatures:

In TN, we need to regain the State Senate

In 2004, we lost the State Houses in GA, IN and OK.  Its essential to regain them.

In IA and MN, we're very close to controlling the State Senates (tied and two shy repectively).  

Governors serve 4 years and State Senators usually serve 4 years as well.  In 200, the Democrats virtaully assured 10 years of GOP control of Congress by not be more agressive in state legislature races.  

The current split between democrast and republicans in state legislatures is fairly even by head counts, but the GOP has the edge in total control of both State Legislatures in 19 States.  Of those states, AZ, VA, FL, IN, GA, MI, OH, PA, MO, TX,  and WI will be determining the geography of roughly 150-160 congressional districts. In IA, MN, KY, TN, and NY (where another 50-65 congressional districts will be drawn), the difference is winning fewer than 10 races (In KY, 4 seats retakes the St. Senate, in TN, 2 seats retakes the St. Senate, in NY, 5 seats takes the St. Senate, in MN, 2 seats takes the St. House, and in IA an increase of 1 seta in ether chamber will result in Democratic control.)  

If the Democrats improve the the political make-ups in state legislatures and win the key governorships (OH, PA, NY, CA, TX, GA, FL, WI, MI, and IL), we will not be mired in another 10 years of minority status.  

I don't think it helps to have a political analysts look back following the 2008 election and say "Not only did they lose theWhite House, but the political math has alll but screwed them out of controlling Congress for another decade..."  I'd much rather here "The GOP's service to the Religious Right has cost them the White House and the US Senate and given gains made this year and in 2006, the Democrats are well positioned to retake control of the House."