One of the "crazy" notions of Howard Dean and the blogosphere was the notion of filing for every House seat.  Professional pundits and career politicians warn "us" of the need to concentrate resources.  We were warned that merely filing on seats was a loss of energy and a distraction.  The problem with this theory from the professionals is that, unknowingly, they were bumping square into the proudest and most productive part of our party's 200 year legacy.

Eventually, Democrats managed to file on 425 seat, the biggest total since the 1970's.  Tracking it back further produced startling results.  From 1950 through 1976, Democrats had filed on more seats in every election.  Anywhere from 426 to an almost perfect 434.  Democrats won 12 of those 14 elections.  They won at least 232 seats (the Republican high water mark of the past 60 years, in 12 of the 14 elections.  In fact, Democrats won more than 232 seats in 11 of those 14 elections including 292 (1976), 291 (1974), 283 (1958), and 295 in 1964.

A chart of seats filed and seats won by year is listed below the fold.

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