Just saw a piece on Hackett on CNN.

[Guaranteed]

The man's got "it." I hope he wins.

[Teaser]

1. Don't be *too* disappointed if we lose...

This is a Republican district by a wide margin. That he's even close is an achievement and supports the idea that we should contest *every* election we can. Cause you never know where you might wind up hitting a chord.

[Guaranteed]

2. I think people will like him. He's positioned himself well,

and he's charismatic and trustworthy. I wouldn't be surprised if he wins at all.

[wakeme2008]

3. When the Repug attacked the Vets

IMHO that was a major turn off for some Repug voters.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

4. The Ohio 2nd C.D.

Is a really, really tough nut to crack. It's been a Republican District since Abe Lincoln was a kid -- I read somewhere that it's never -- ever -- had a Democratic representative. The "urban" parts of the district are heavily Republican suburbs of Cincinnati, and the rural parts are more like Kansas than Ohio.

It would be a shocker if he won -- or even came close to winning -- and a signal that even in the reddest of Red Districts, the Republicans are in deep trouble.

[Guaranteed]

5. Well, if we can beat them there, we'll have found our formula.

Seriously- in my mind, what Hackett is doing here is the best way for us to attack and win.

If what he's doing doesn't work, maybe nothing would (although, admittedly, the area he's fighting for is pretty tough).

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

6. It's a "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained" situation...

If we can take a hard-nosed message to Republican voters and win them over, Paul Hackett rises to the level of Howard Dean in my estimation.

But then again, I'm just spoiling for a fight.

[Guaranteed]

8. Absolutely. I think, if he wins,

the party is gonna flip.

It'd be great.

[Jack The Tab]

7. That Hackett is close is a major boost for our party..

I live in Cleveland, a wishy-washy blue area, but that area down south, that's Bush country through and through. The fact that he's gotten the support he has is truly amazing and should energize the OH Dems.

He's not going to win, but he's going to come closer than any Dem in recent history.

[KittyWampus]

9. Haven't Seen Him Speak Yet, BLG, But I Trust Your Assesment

:)

[Guaranteed]

11. It was just a fluff piece.

Nothing deep. But you could tell where the guy was coming from.

[kentuck]

10. Portman (R) won last time by about 70%..

Just to keep it in perspective..

[Mr.Green93]

12. Any word on the Exit Polls?

I heard Schmidt's internals were not good.

[kansasblue]

13. contest every election!