From the AP:

Republicans see cause for hope, though they make a point to avoid national issues because polls show widespread dissatisfaction with President Bush and Republicans in Congress.

“You certainly can’t omit or be unaware of the national environment. But if you run your race on local issues, you can separate yourself very easily,” said Carrie Cantrell with the Republican State Leadership Committee, which provides cash and other resources to help win legislative seats.

Forty-four states will hold legislative elections next month, with 5,824 seats — or 79 percent of all legislative seats — before the voters.

“In an environment that seems to favor Democrats across the board in 2008, legislatures could deliver a bright spot for Republicans,” said Tim Storey, an elections expert at the National Conference of State Legislatures. “If Democrats do gain seats, it will truly reflect a landslide by the party and would really be an indicator of this turnout machine.”

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