In Florida, both parties are raising lots of money for state legislative races. Republicans currently hold majorities of 77-43 in the House and 26-14 in the Senate, and Democrats do not expect to pick up either chamber.

But they are looking to make gains this year:

"I'm cautiously optimistic," is the best state Rep. Franklin Sands, D-Plantation, would say of prospects for bolstering the 43-vote Democratic minority in the House. Sands, who will become minority leader in November, thinks this could be "a change election" nationally, and that could help Democrats in a close race.

If Democrats in the state can cut into Republican majorities, then we might have an opportunity to make a play in next cycle. A number of Republicans will be forced to retire, and that fact will help:

In 2010, there will be 21 Republicans and only four Democrats term-limited out of the House, while eight Republicans and only one Democrat hit the wall in the Senate.

With Florida projected to add two congressional seats after the next census, I would love the opportunity to challenge the GOP for the state before the next round of redistricting.