The past few months have provided a dizzying series of messages in the blogosphere praising or persecuting the new President of the United States (POTUS). Thankfully, Salon.com produced an “over the nation” report on the Republican Party today that deserves more attention, and a more in-depth analysis (from yours truly, naturally).

Here’s the Salon.com link - The state (by state) of the GOP

Once again, Dick Wadhams’ penchant for media attention provides the clue for how to defeat him and continue the GOP decline:

"This notion that Colorado has suddenly become a Democratic state is preposterous. I think Democrats who have a grip on reality know that." -- State GOP chairman Dick Wadhams

The lesson from Dick is a hard and true fact of politically strategy from today to 2012, and unfortunately, too many high level Democratic leaders are positively oblivious to the concept. While basking in the glory of Barack Obama’s victory, I am seeing too many messages ignoring recent losses and weaknesses going into future ballots. This kind of complacency and false posturing is a formula for a disaster in the 2010 General Election.

Salon.com is absolutely correct by highlighting the dominance of the GOP at the county and community level. Even in Larimer County, the Democratic Party leadership is mute on the loss of a seat on the Board of County Commissioners. Reveling in the glory of former Democratic Party Chair Betsy Markey defeating Marilyn Musgrave is apparently too intoxicating to take a clear look at the dangers of the political landscape.

Every Larimer County elected office is now held by a Republican, half of the General Assembly seats are held by Republicans (including two far right wing radicals), voter registration and turn-out still favors the GOP, and even non-partisan city council races in the county are facing conservative 527 group interference.  Recognizing these few facts gives rise to the need for a comprehensive plan for the near-term elections that must address grassroots organizing, volunteer engagement and training, candidate recruiting and development, and fundraising. Larimer County is not alone in this condition.

Some Colorado Counties exist in a more positive environment, and a few are in even worse – worser – worst condition.  Where Salon.com mis-fires in the linked article is with the presumption that the departure of Tom Tancredo and Marilyn Musgrave from elected office removes “…extremists in the state Republican Party (who) alienate(d) moderate suburban voters…” from the political landscape. In fact, the Republic base of offensive radical right wingers never seems to diminish.  Let’s not forget the recent outbursts by State Senators Dave Schultheis and Scott Renfroe.  The former justly earned a few seconds of national air-time as one of Keith Olberman’s “Worst Persons.”  Perhaps both have been egged-on by the arrival of arch conservative Kevin Lundberg on the Senate side of the Legislature. 

The regrettable part is that these extremists are energizing and apparently organizing their radical right wing base of supporters in preparation for Dick Wadhams’ all-out campaign to regain political mastery of Colorado in-time for the 2010 elections and the all-important following redistricting.  Too much basking in glory will do little more for the Democratic Party than hand control of the future of Colorado back to the GOP.

This short-sightedness is not only disappointing; it’s blatantly dangerous for every issue and initiative that experienced any measure of success since 2004.  Here’s challenge, take a personal inventory of every accomplishment you appreciate since the Democratic Party took control of the Legislature and the election of Bill Ritter as Governor, and imagine the GOP rolling them back starting in 2011.  Complacency is an aspect of politics that consistently favors your opponent.