Wampum

A small reminder...

Back in November, Dwight and I were mulling over the potential of the 2006 election cycle. I contributed my thoughts on vulnerable races in the House:

Last but not least is the House of Representatives, where Republicans gained three seats, in part due to Tom Delay's Texas Redistricting fiasco. But returns around the country showed some vulnerability for a number of Republicans, including some of the most notorious member, Delay included.

Jim Gerlach (PA-6): 51-49% v. Lois Murphy

Chris Shays (CT-4): 52-48% v. Diane Farrell

Dave Reichert (WA-8): 52-47% v. Dave Ross (corrected)

Marilyn Musgrave (CO-4): 51-46% v. Stan Matsunaka

David Dreier (CA-26): 54-48% v. Cynthia Matthews + third party candidate

Peter Sessions (TX-32): 54-46% v. Martin Frost + third party candidate

Mark Kennedy (MN-6): 54-46% v. Patty Wetterling

Thelma Drake (VA-2): 55-45% vs. David Ashe

Robert (Robin) Hayes (NC-8): 55-45% v. Beth Troutman

Charles Taylor (NC-11): 55-45% v. Patsy Keever

Tom Delay (TX-22): 55-45% v. Richard Morrison + third party candidate

Katherine Harris (FL-13): 55-45% v. Jan Schneider

Henry Hyde (IL-6): 55-45% v. Christine Cegelis

In light of Mr. Hackett's near loss (52-48) in a very Republican district, I think it's time to review these races, as well as the 40 or so next closest races. Heck, make it the 100 or so. We found the GOP Achilles Heel today, and this is no time to play shrinking violet.