Cross-posted at dailykos.  

The next cycle has already started.  Here in Idaho, we've made little real headway against the Republican hegemony.  The one, and I mean one (1), bright spot in yesterday's election was Larry Grant's performance against Bill Sali.  Jerry Brady has run for governor twice, and couldn't break 45%.  Jana Jones lost the School Superintendant Race to Tom "Lunatic" Luna, which means we lost the only statewide office currently held by a Dem (Marilyn Howard, who's retiring).  I could go on, but what's the point?  

We've got to keep hope alive in this state, and the only glimmer of it I see is Larry Grant.  We need a candidate for the next cycle to help energize IdaDems.  I say we recruit Larry Grant to run for Senate.

Larry Craig, our current Idaho Senator, has been in the senate for 16 years, and is up for re-election in 2008.  

Will he want to stay?  He's been in the majority for twelve years, and is facing a huge loss in influence.  He's facing accusations about his sexuality.  Over a month ago, immediately afer the Mark Foley story broke, Robert Vasquez, Republican Canyon County Commissioner, announced he would challenge Larry Craig for his Senate seat in 2008.  Craig could easily move into a highly-paid lobbying position, and there may be numerous incentives for him to do so.  I don't know what he'll do, and I don't think anybody else does at this point either, but if we can convince a strong candidate like Larry Grant to run, it may push Craig out.  Particularly if he's also facing a stiff primary challenge inside his own party.  If Craig chooses to go make the big money in the private sector, that would make Idaho an open seat in 08, and a possible pickup, if we can field the right candidate.  

Larry Grant is now known statewide, and has better name recognition than just about any other Idaho Democrat except, perhaps, Jerry Brady (who's 70, and not intereseted in the Senate).  Larry would be a credible candidate, as his near victory against Bill Sali demonstrates.  Win or lose, he would give Idaho Dems a real shot at a statewide position, and would help expand the playing field both in-state and nationally.  

I'll be frank.  WE NEED LARRY GRANT TO RUN!  IdaDems were energized this year, and will be more so in 2008, if we can find a candidate we can believe in.  Larry Grant is that candidate.  

Don't wait.  Contact Larry NOW, and let him know we want him to keep up the fight.  

Visit Larry at www.grantforcongress.com

E-mail him at:  

larry@grantforcongress.com

or call 208-707-2366

or send him a note by snail-mail to:

Grant for Senate
P.O. Box 489
Fruitland, Idaho  83619

Tell him to run, and tell him to start raising money on Actblue, etc., so that he can get started.  It'll show he's serious, and it will force the DNC to take notice, and get in early, instead of waiting till the last minute like the Grant/Sali race.  

DO IT TODAY!  I know you are all tired, but please, I'm begging you -- let Larry know how much you'd like to see a Larry vs. Larry matchup in 2008.  And whether you do or not, please, please, rec this diary, so that others will at least have the chance to do so.  Do it for mcjoan, who spent so much time blogging Larry's race, and for redstate rebel, who worked so hard on Larry's campaign.

Also, you can help by going to dailykos, and recomending my diary there.