[KevinTheOmnivore]

The only reason people even feel comfortable throwing the "I word" out there is because 2006, according to most indicators, is shaping up to be a battle. One of the top Republican pollsters in DC has said that because a lot of really good Republican candidates might sit it out in 2006 out of fear of retribution, the Democrats have been ahead of the game in recruiting solid candidates for House seats.

For one of my classes, we need to write a winning campaign plan for the incumbent, Republican Congresswoman in NM-1. It's going to be hard, because the Democrats are going to run a national campaign (like "the contract") on gas prices, Iraq, and corruption, whereas incumbent Republicans will probably try to localize their races. It may not work.

If the Democrats romp in 2006, which certainly isn't a guarantee, then the "I word" will certainly be on the table.