Although Election Day has come and went, there is still much to be done in both the long run and the short run. Although some might find reason to be discouraged by last night's results--I indeed was for a time--the Democrats must not falter in their quest to regain control of the government.

In the short term, what can be done?

There are two House races that will be fought over the next month in Louisiana that could send a big signal to the rest of the nation that the Democrats have not given up hope, but rather are poised to fight for what they believe in.

In the 7th Congressional District--a seat now once held by John Breaux and now held by Democrat Chris John--Democrat Willie Landry Mount has a good shot at keeping thte seat in Democratic hands. In the 3rd Congressional District--now held by former Democrat Billy Tauzin--Charlie Melancon is facing up against Billy Tauzin III in a race that will undoubtedly focus on the Louisiana sugar industry.

I will cover these two races over the next month and if you have the means and interest, I recommend you going over to their campaign sites, checking them out and perhaps even donating to them. The Democrats can send a big signal to the rest of the country that they're not going to take this sitting down.

In the long term, it's important to remember that although the Dems might appear to be in dire straights right now, things have been much worse. In 1984 Ronald Reagan won 49 states; in 1986 the Democrats retook the Senate and widened their margin in the House. In 1964 Johnson won with more than 60% of the vote; in 1966 the GOP made major gains in both houses of the legislature and Richard Nixon was electe in 1968. In 1944 FDR was reelected for a fourth term; in 1946 the Republicans retook the Congress for the first time in 14 years...

2006 will mark 12 years since the Democrats held the House, and if history is at all indicative (many would say it's not) the Dems can win back Congress. Organizing must begin immediately, so do not let this defeat get you down. Victory in 2006 can begin next month in Louisiana, so let's make sure Melancon and Mount are elected!