LOOKING FORWARD - To 2010, And 2012

It is not too early to start thinking about a conservative Republican renaissance in 2010, and another one in 2012. Therefore, I figured I'd put up a post to quickly handicap the field.

First of all, 2010 is just two short years away. There will be 36 Gubernatorial races, 35 U.S. Senate seats up for election, and all 435 seats in the U.S. House. Also, there will be numerous races in the states. This is a crucial first election for conservatives to start regaining power.

GOVERNORS - VIEW THE RACE AT WIKIPEDIA
There will be 10 Democratic governors retiring in 2010, and if the GOP recruits the right candidates, they can all be winnable, except for probably Oregon and Maine. Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wyoming could all be good shots at a pickup. Michigan could be won if rumored candidate Ted Nugent, the popular conservative rocker, makes a run. Likewise, Pennsylvania could have a chance at a GOP governor if state Attorney General Tom Corbett makes a run. In Tennessee, there are signs pointing to a run by former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, who would be the early frontrunner for the seat.

U.S. SENATE - VIEW THE RACE AT WIKIPEDIA
Only one GOP senator is planning to retire, and that is Kansas Senator Sam Brownback, who might make a run at the Governor's Mansion in that state. We have to defend 19 seats, while the Dems have to defend 16. Therefore, it is highly unlikely we will get the majority back in the Senate, but we can cut into it. So far, it is hard to find any pickup opportunities in the Senate, but no Dems have announced plans to retire, and we don't know how favorable the public's view of Obama will be in two years, so seats might start coming open. On the down side, the reverse could be true, as well. For a more in-depth look, visit the Wikipedia link posted here.

U.S. HOUSE - VIEW THE RACE AT WIKIPEDIA
A more likely shot at a re-gain of power would probably be the House, as all seats will be open in two years. Although a change in power right now doesn't look likely, two years is an eternity in politics. I believe the Dems' run at picking up GOP seats has finally come to an end, and a reversal in fortunes is about to begin.

In 2012, the House seats will again be up for election, as will 33 Senate seats. Of course, the big election for the Presidency is also in that year.

It is almost impossible to handicap the House races for '12 until the '10 races are sorted out. However, we have an idea of what seats are up in the Senate. The field shines bright for Republicans at this time. Why? Because the Dems have to defend 23 seats, while the GOP only needs to hold onto nine. Talk about a good opportunity to go on offense!
WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE ON THE SENATE RACE IN 2012 HERE

Of course, the big race in 2012 will be for the Presidency. After four years of governing, Barack Hussein Obama will almost certainly be looking for a second term. Meanwhile, a likely rejuvenated Republican Party will be seeking to gain the White House again.

Currently, there are four major names often spoken about being GOP candidates for the Presidency in 2012:
-Former Arkansas Governor and 2008 candidate Mike Huckabee
-Lousiana Governor Bobby Jindal
-Alaska Governor Sarah Palin
-Former Massachusetts Governor and 2008 candidate Mitt Romney

However, other names are also being spoken of. Not surprisingly, most of them are leaders in the modern day conservative movement. It would be a shocker if the GOP decides to go with another moderate like McCain in 2012. Here are some other names:
-Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour
-Florida Governor Charlie Crist
-Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels
-South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint
-Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich
-Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty
-CENTCOM Commander General David Petraeus
-South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford
-South Dakota Senator John Thune

In short, opportunities are coming for what I am sure will be a renewed and revived Republican Party in the next four years, especially come 2012.