Even Better

In some ways, Democratic performance at the State level trumps success nationally.  Democrats became the Governors of New York, Ohio and Massachussets (the 3rd, 7th and 12th most populous states in America).  Even better Democrats made huge gains in State Senates and Legislatures around the country.  These local races are the incubators for the next generation of Democratic leaders.  These local races inspire energy, and swell the ranks of volunteers.  Far too often political commentators focus on coat-tails, the notion that top of the ticket races will bring along lower offices.  But I think it's often the energy of lower races that propel victories.  Democrats made huge gains in Minnesota, retaking the House by a huge margin (85 to 49) and expanded control of the Senate 44 to 23.  We took chambers in Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Oregon.

It's not the easiest way to break down the information, but go to the DLCC and switch between 2005 and 2006.  You can see the country changing.  As those state houses get a lot less red our future get a lot rosier.