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So, it appears we lost the 6th, and the Presidency (tentatively speaking), but we DID win quite a lot in this state:
* The State House is virtually TIED, with almost even numbers of DFLers and GOPers. We now have a STRONG and POWERFUL opposition to the right-wing agenda of Pawlenty, Sviggum, Day, etc.
* Look at Kerry's numbers in MN: believe it or not, he CARRIED THE SUBURBS! IMHO, this is the biggest victory for us: it proves that Dems can run (and win) in the "safe" GOP burbs.
* Even though Kennedy pulled out a squeeker in the 6th, his statewide ratings will be DOWN after his sleazoid campaign. How do you dare go negative on a woman whose son was abducted? What a jerk.
All these alone are good points, but they point to EVEN BETTER news for 2006!
Think about it: Pawlenty's #s are down. He's shaking down the Indian casinos for $$$ because he "won't raise taxes". People in the state blame the Repubs for the gridlock in St. Paul.
Furthermore: If Kennedy does oppose Dayton in 2006, he's got some serious negatives to overcome from this year. Not only that, if he does go against Dayton, Wetterling has a huge advantage going into the race next time.
And even furthermore: Kerry proved that a "liberal Democrat" CAN win in the 'burbs! This is TREMENDOUS NEWS for us, as it means that a GOP stronghold is now competitive!
And furthermore, still: keep in mind that the state/local government has MUCH MORE influence on your daily life than the Federal government does. In these days of a decentralized Fed government, many more programs are administered at the state/local level. And THIS is an area where we have been VERY successful!
In my 18 years of on again/off again party activism, I have NEVER seen the DFL so united, so organized, and so powerful at the grassroots level than today. Even during the Wellstone campaigns. Even though the primaries were tough, we came together and put up one hell of a united front against the Bushistas.
I was excited about 2004, but I'm even MORE excited about 2006. Let's take a breather, and start preparing for 2006. Because we're going to TAKE BACK THIS STATE!
:toast: :thumbsup: :hi: :bounce:
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