I've heard this before, too. Of course, you actually were in California, so you probably have information a bit more dependable than the whispers and rumors that filter across to the East Coast, where I am.
The one "problem" I have with Grammer is that there may be a perception among the GOP faithful that he hasn't "paid his dues." That is, he hasn't put time in the trenches building the party the way Jones, Cox or McClintock have.
My guess is the Senate seat in Louisiana will stay democrat regardless of who wins the upcoming Governors race. The 04 race will be a Presidential election thus having a lot of media attention along with all Congressional races plus the Senate race however it unfolds... The bottom line is that is enough attention to bring the black vote out and when they do turn out in LA it's had for a Republican to win. They can have a decisive influence on the elections, jmo......