ID-Sen, ID-01: The Larry Show

Democrats did surprisingly well in Idaho in 2006, despite the fact it was one of three states where President Bush still had a positive approval rating (albeit barely.)

Democrat Larry Grant came within 5% of winning the Idaho 1st district, and Democrat Jerry Brady won 44% in the Idaho Gubernatorial race, the highest margin for a Democrat since Cecil Andrus was reelected in 1990.

Grant is staging a rematch in the Idaho 1st district in 2008, against ultra-conservative Bill Sali, while Larry LaRocco, who used to represent the 1st district before being defeated in 1994, is running for the US Senate against another Larry, incumbent Republican Larry Craig. LaRocco lost a heartbreaking race for Lt. Governor in 2006.

Even if Grant and/or LaRocco lose next year, which is likely in a Presidential year, it's still better than the race the Democrats staged for Senate in 2004, when they didn't even have a candidate.

The way to win is to lose a few, but lose less each time.