This morning, Jennifer Rubin, D.C. Editor for the popular Pajamas Media Network, posted “A Ray of Sunshine for the GOP in State Races”. The piece unpacks the continued successes Republicans have had at the state level since the November 2008 elections, and highlights one of the RSLC’s most recent candidates in New Hampshire, Marilinda Garcia.

Here’s an excerpt:

“These wins represent more than consolation prizes for Republicans smarting from losses at the national level. State legislatures are in essence the minor league training grounds for future governors, congressmen, and senators (as well as an occasional president). Republicans remember all too well the dogged determination of then-Congressman Rahm Emanuel, who scoured the country in anticipation of the 2006 election to find attractive candidates well suited to their districts. And if Republicans are to make headway in 2010 they will have to repeat that exercise and draw heavily on the “bench” in state legislatures.

So the lesson for Republicans should be clear. Adjust the message to match voters concerns. Find articulate candidates including women and minorities. When possible, disengage from the battle between party labels and national personalities. And return to winning conservative themes of smaller government and lower taxes. That might not be a winning formula everywhere or in all races, but so far it has provided a ray of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy period for Republicans. And come 2010, one or more of these Republicans, or some of their new colleagues, may step into a national or statewide race and teach Beltway Republicans a thing or two.”

Read the Rest…