I can’t say I disagree with this assessment of the GOP’s Senate prospects for 2008. If the GOP presidential nominee is not extremely strong and can’t lead the ticket successfully in the states with at risk Senate seats– Minnesota, Colorado, Virginia, and New Mexico (if Domenici retires) — it’s going to be a blow out. The Democrats in Pennsylvania and Montana in 2006 learned to run Senate candidates who might not have adhered to the strict party line but could win. Republicans can make all the wish lists they like but unless they choose and support candidates who can win in these and in possible pick up states (e.g. Louisiana) — none of which is solidly Red — they will simply lose. Not what conservatives want to hear but Chuck Schumer figured out how to win and win big by recruiting great candidates, not the most liberal candidates. Worth pondering on the way into the political wilderness.