No excuse. 2010 is when the next census occurs, and redistricting is going to be on the table. That's why the 2006 Governors races is going to be so crucial for Democrats. I know a lot of us are currently focused on congressional races, but we should also keep in mind the importance of winning governorships this election cycle. It's tied to our long term prospects of controlling Congress and state legislatures.
So that's why I'm upset when I hear from friends in Iowa that Vilsack is doing almost next to nothing to ensure that Iowa remains in the hands of Democrats in 2006. We absolutely can't afford to lose Iowa to the Republicans.
The top Democratic candidates vying to succeed Gov. Vilsack are
Mike Blouin and
Chet Culver. The primary date is June, 6 2006.
Last year, ex-Gov Mark Warner was all over Virginia campaigning hard on behalf of Tim Kaine in the gubernatorial race, and with his help Kaine won. We need Gov. Vilsack to make a solid commitment to campaign on behalf of whoever wins the Democratic primary. I know I'm being hard, but if Warner could help retain a Dem seat in red-state Virginia, Vilsack should be more than capable in ensuring purple-state Iowa remains in Democratic hands.
For the 2006 elections, we absolutely should not take the candidacy of any '08 presidential aspirant who doesn't do the heavy lifting (fundraising, donations, strong campaigning on behalf of candidates, mentoring, etc.), seriously. That should be our benchmark. We are watching.