Gallup shows only 5 states leaning or solidly Republican while 37 are solidly or leaning D. Eight new Red states, including Texas (which now polls 42% D, 40% R) are solidly in play.

Perhaps Democrats owe a debt of gratitude to birthers, Palin and Limbaugh, and "death panel" politics. Now we'll see if they have the courage to step up and do something worthwhile.

Republicans are losing a lot of voters here in Texas. Two people in my family, who have voted Republican all their lives, voted for Obama in the last election. The Repubs are screwing up big time, and their radio talk shows are not helping them either, and that's just fine with me.