Another reminder of what we are up against

Asher Provides Outlook For GOP

Chris Freind: Will 2008 be as bad for the GOP as 2006?

Bob Asher: No. In 2006, we became fat, dumb and happy. We became arrogant and overconfident - and had no message. The Republican congress didn't act like a conservative congress when we were in charge. We were spending money like Democrats, and our base didn't appreciate that. So we have to win them back - with the right message and with good candidates. But also, there's no question that the war at that time was unpopular. I think President Bush is a wonderful human being but not a great communicator. I don't think he got the message out there the way it had to be done. But he's been proven right - the surge in Iraq is working.

Why don't I think it will be as bad this year? First, we'll maintain the state senate, maybe even pick up a seat. Second, I think the Republicans have an excellent chance of winning the state house back. I think we have a real good shot at picking up (freshman Democratic Congressman Chris) Carney's seat, with (challenger Chris) Hackett winning that one. And we're going to carry the state for John McCain.

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That is called throwing down the gauntlet, ladies and gentlemen.