If nothing else, I believe we can count on holding the house and the senate after 2012. I can be satisfied with that.
I'm not so sure about that. Turnout is key. Consider 2008; until Sarah stepped into the picture, McCain was driving a huge portion of the electorate to stay home. Without Palin as his running mate, McCain's loss would have been epic. If we get another Dole or another McCain as the candidate, state and local races will suffer.