Progressive Democrat Issue 116: ELECTION 2008: We Now Know Karl Rove's Strategy...Let's get busy!

Karl Rove was forced to show his hand last week, revealing his list for targeting vulnerable Democrats for smear tactics. We now know what the Republicans plan. Here is his list:

Lampson (TX-22)
Mahoney (FL-16)
McNerney (CA-11)
Space (OH-18)
Hill (IN-09)
Carney (PA-10)
Murphy (PA-08)
Boyda (KS-02)
Sestak (PA-07)
Ellsworth (IN-08)
Shuler (NC-11)
Rodriguez (TX-23)
Kagen (WI-08)
Marshall (GA-08)
Donnelly (IN-02)
Barrow (GA-12)
Altmire (PA-04)
Hall (NY-19)
Gillibrand (NY-20)
Herseth (SD-AL)

I think they are dreaming with some of these. Personally I think Herseth is now established and won't be dislodged--she got 70% of the vote in 2006. Mahoney will be heavily targeted, but he is conservative enough to appeal to his very Republican district. Ellsworth is HIGHLY unlikely to be beaten. He was a local sheriff and he is conservative for a Democrat, so will appeal in his Republican district. Sestak is a retired admiral and his district is Democratic leaning. Shuler is a retired football star and probably is safe. I think their list is too optimistic. But they might win a couple of these. But Lampson, McNerney and Space are particularly vulnerable and will need lots of help. In fact, I think many of the more progressive Democrats will be vulnerable.

And here is a list of Republican seats Rove thinks are vulnerable (astericies are seats he anticipates a retirement, leaving an open seat:

Gerlach (PA), Bachmann (MN), Hayes (NC), Wilson (NM), Musgrave (CO), Roskam (IL), Shays (CT), Mean Jean Schmidt (OH), Drake (VA), Cubin* (WY), Doolittle (CA), Porter (NV), Walsh (NY), Pryce** (OH), Kuhl** (NY), Ferguson (NJ), Knollenberg* (MI), Young* (AK), Galleghy* (CA), McKeon* (CA), Lewis* (CA), Miller** (CA), Hunter* (CA), Castle* (DE), Young* (FL), Kirk (IL), Hastert* (IL), Lewis (KY), Jindal* (LA), Bartlett* (MD), Ehlers (MI), Walberg (MI), Myrick* (NC), Regula* (OH), Dent (PA) and Davis* (VA).

I think many of these are outside our chances. But some are definitely possible.

And for the record, here is my list of Hot House seats for 2008 that I made back in February. I need to update it, but I think I did pretty well. If you want to take advantage of Karl Rove's little lists, please donate through my Act Blue Site and get a jump on Karl.

And, for those with a strong stomach, go here for some footage of some very strange goings on featuring Rove.

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