Conference call with the Democratic Governors Association

I'm not sure how the Democratic Governors Association got my name. But yesterday I received an email inviting me to sit in on a conference call they were holding to discuss the 36 gubernatorial races that will be decided on Tuesday.

Reporters from outlets such as The Nation and The Wall Street Journal were given codes that allowed them to chime in with questions. My phone, along with those of an undisclosed number of bloggers, was on permanent mute. And while there wasn't a ton of new information, the call left me with the distinct impression that Ritter vs. Beauprez is being played out all across America. From New York to Nevada, Americans are turning their backs on the failed policies of the Republican party.

DGA executive director Penny Lee ran down the stats. There are 36 states in play in 2006. We need to pick up four seats to hold a majority of governorships. It looks like we'll get even more. Right now all 13 Democratic incumbents in contested races are leading in the polls. And Democrats are also ahead in eight of the nine races for contested seats. But Lee admitted a "cautious" feeling, as many of the races are still close.

There was some discussion of whether longterm national guard mobilization has hurt Republicans and what effect Democratic governors have on presidential elections. But the overwhelming sentiment was that great individual candidates have broadened the meaning of what it means to be a Democrat. And that should mean a blue wave on election day.

Photo of Bill Ritter campaigning with Democratic New Mexico governor Bill Richardson courtesy of Ritter for Governor.