Well it is the day after and the Democrats have successfully wrested away control of the State Senate, likely for the next four years. The should be congratulated on a well-fought campaign and should be proud of their victories. Yet, while our Dem friends are celebrating their recent run of success, I am more interested in what we as Republicans are going to do next.

First, the good news ('cause I'm just that type of guy). The good news is we still have control of the House of Delegates. The good news is that things didn't turn out nearly as bad as they might have. The good news is that Republicans won several very competitive races that prevented an even larger Democrat majority. The good news is that we have some very exciting elections coming up in 2008 and 2009 that we can really get motivated for. The good news is that we Republicans are still standing, still strong throughout the Commonwealth, and we have many state and local officials that we can be very proud of.

Of course, it is not all good news today. The bad news is that the Democrats are riding a very hot streak in Virginia, and that should cause us to reflect deeply on the direction of our party. The bad news is that the Democrats are energized, motivated and organized right now, and we are not. The bad news is we got beat on our own turf in this election and there is no excuse for that.

The simple fact is that what we as Republicans have been doing for the last three elections has not been working and it is time to seriously address our problems. We can no longer continue to blame other people or blame circumstances out of our control for our defeats. While there is certainly some disappointment over GOP failures at the federal level, we must step up and take responsibility for our own state. Putting a band-aid on the problem is not going to fix it.

It is time for us Republicans to step up. I am still proud to be a member of this party and I believe that we have a great deal to fight for. What we need now is competent leadership, effective organization, and a relevant and coherent message to carry to the people of Virginia. It is time to put our differences aside and work together for the good of the Commonwealth.

I am issuing a challenge to all Virginia Republicans who believe that we are not living up to our past or our promise. I am issuing a challenge to all Virginia Republicans who want to see our Commonwealth back out in front, leading the nation in innovative conservative government. I am issuing a challenge to all Virginia Republicans who are tired of old excuses and blame games and who care more about the strength of our Party than their own personal glory.

If you are up to the challenge, email me at chriso@sicsemper.com. I don't have the answers, but I know together we can find them. I just want to know if anyone else is willing to fight.

UPDATE: Be sure to go read our friend, Mason Conservative's, post-election thoughts as well. Good stuff.