Titans of Two Parties

Democrats have 255 representatives, 56 senators, and 28 governors. Democrats possess the presidency. Republicans have 178 representatives, 41 senators, and 22 governors. Clearly, their circumstances are converse. Their objectives must be contrary.

On January 8, the Democratic National Committee appointed Governor Tim Kaine (Virginia). On Friday, the Republican National Committee elected former Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele (Maryland).

From 2002-2006, Kaine was Lieutenant Governor (Virginia). Since 2006, he has been Governor. From 2003-2007, Steele was also Lieutenant Governor (Maryland).

Since 2005, Democrats have reasserted superiority. They have scored 50 congressional victories. They have 14 senatorial victories. They have scored 6 gubernatorial victories. On November 2, 2004, President Bush defeated Senator John Kerry (D-MA) 286-251. On November 4, 2008, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) defeated Senator John McCain (R-AZ) 365-173.

For four years, Howard Dean owned the conversation. He did not merely court compatriots. He did not merely ingrain issues. Dean expanded, modernized, and sold his party. Kaine must maintain his example. Steele must mirror his example.