Wow--a fantastic outcome indeed, and Barry Welsh does indeed deserve some love for this. Not only did Democrats break the record, Republicans laid an egg by putting up the second worst total for either party since 1994. The overall Democratic margin, 35 districts, is twice the size of the previous record. That record was set in 1994, when Republicans challenged 18 more districts than Democrats. You can see past totals here.

For all the great bloggers Benawu lists, the real credit goes to Democrats on the ground around the country, especially those in red districts. Howard Dean, Rahm Emmanuel and the blogosphere all played roles, but when it comes to actually finding candidates to run in very difficult districts, the lion's share of the credit should go to Democrats in local areas with the guts and the energy to actually go through with it. Personally, I just like to think that I was one of many who helped plant an idea in the minds of activists. This will make an impact in November, and beyond. I also changed the formatting of this entry--Chris

** A 50 State Page update brought to you by Barry Welsh (now git over there and give him some lovin and some cash (but not for the lovin)).**

Yep 425 congressional House races will have Democratic candidates in 2006. And yep it's a record! The GOP managed 419 in 1994 and our best was 403 in 2000. This is a fantastic achievement and WAY ahead of the GOP for this cycle too.

Chris Bowers blogged this call to arms on November 5th 2004 decrying the fact that we only contested 400 districts in 2004. Aspiring candidate for Congress Barry Welsh and his team (in particular this means you Rex Freedom) responded to the call and set up the 50 State Page.

House guru's Superribbie , RBH , Nathaniel Ament Stone , David NYC , David Kowalski and Lucas O'Connor all responded to the cause and I started emailing candidate updates to the Welsh campaign and then started writing house filing diaries myself when the 50 State Page wasn't being updated often enough. A second Chris Bowers diary  in February helped convince me to pick up editing the 50 State Page in April after some campaign shuffling in the Welsh camp. I must admit it has been a buzz being able to contribute from the other side of the world (I'm Australian).

So some 51.84375 states later (5 districts in Texas still to go, all have Dem candidates) we have a record number of Dems filed in what promises to be a stellar year for us at all levels. This is a massive confirmation of Howard Dean's 50 State Strategy and means that there is only a handful of uncontested repubs who can throw money at heavily contested races.

Since my last update we now have a candidate in  LA 5. So 435 Races to be filled - 425 Races filled . The 10 Uncontested Races are as follows:

• AL-6: We had no sign of a potential candidate and this race has been uncontested since redistricting in mid 2002.
• AZ-6: Our candidate Glenn Fuller was kicked off the ballot for signature snafus. This district was uncontested in 2004.
• CA-42: Mark Hull-Richter ran a very late but spirited write in campaign that fell well short. Try again in 08 please Mark!
• FL-12: Our candidate James Davis filed all of his paperwork on time and forked over all of the correct filing fees but apparently faxed one signed document instead of presenting a signed original so he got bounced off the ballot. This district was uncontested in 2002. Have another go next time please James!
• LA 6: We had no sign of a potential candidate.
• MS-3: We had no sign of a potential candidate and this race was uncontested in 2004.
• TX-11: We had no sign of a potential candidate.
• VA-4: Murmurs abounded but no one stepped up. This district was uncontested in 2004.
• VA-6: Viriginia Dems gave up on this district about a month before filing closed. This district has been uncontested since redistricting in mid 2002.
• WI-6: Our candidate filed the first half of his filing paperwork but then had a change of heart that he didn't tell anyone about!  This district was uncontested in 2002.

It's interesting to note that 7 of these 10 have been uncontested in either or both of the last two elections. So for this 2006 Election cycle there are 425 Democrats and only 390 GOP candidates including the write ins in TX 21 and assuming they find candidates in the two Texas districts where they don't currently have candidates. 425 V 390 - A fantastic outcome.

4 weeks ago we were at 426 Races filled and shooting for 430. Now we are down to 424 and can only fill 2 more races.

Below the fold for details...........

But first, as always, check out the 50 State Page for the most up to date candidate lists, polls, gossip, district blogs and Presidential Vote by CD numbers and give some lovin' to Barry Welsh whilst you are there. After all the site would not be there were it not for him and he deserves a little TLC and lots of cash!

There's more...

Well almost 3 weeks since the last Benawu congressional diary and the news is almost all bad.

We still have candidates in only 426 districts but it is about to become 425!

Check out the 50 State Page and give some lovin' to Barry Welsh whilst you are there.

Below the fold for details...............

There's more...

In the best traditions of Eurovision - Hello Las Vegas this is Bendigo, Australia calling.

And calling with a 50 State Page update. Now go and give some lovin' to Barry Welsh. Take it from me if this atheist thinks this Christian Preacher is a good man and great future congressman then you all should too!!!!

Wish I could be there in Vegas with you all but no mon(ey) no fun. My sister got married in the Elvis chapel in Vegas 2 years ago. My workmates wondered what on earth I was doing watching a wedding on the internet (sis didn't really want the family there with them - long story). Elvis thought it was hysterical when the bride and groom started dancing with the inflatable crocodile that was best man. The Akubra hats and Aussie Bushmen coats set off the look really well!!!

Ah memories.......... Come below the fold for an update on congressional filings and some news on Hunter Lundy (D-LA).

There's more...

This is of course serves as an update to the 50 State Page from the gang who is shooting very straight in House races. The 50 State page now has CD maps and blogs, recent polls and incumbent web pages. Go on! Go and have a look.

Yep 425 down and up to 6 to go.

Head down below the fold to find out about which piece of the Virginia pie has fallen into place and which of the 4 unfilled Louisiana races now has a candidate.

But first go and give some love (and some cash) to good old Barry Welsh. His race could be the house sleeper of 2006. Or not. But hopefully it will. Don't forget the Welsh campaign meet up in Indianapolis on June 24th either it should be a hoot.

There's more...