In 2008, the DLCC tried something new.

For the first time, we published a list of legislative candidates who were running what we believed to be essential races. This was never a list of people who were sure to win -- these were the races that we believed needed national attention.

Our friends and allies did their part. We heard from one supporter, for instance, who sent campaigns a check to pay for postage. Local bloggers promoted these candidates and then the press wrote stories putting these candidates in the spotlight. And of course more a thousand of you offered suggestions about additional campaigns that needed our support.

From the start, we had big hopes for this program. And now, we're happy to report that results on Election Day were very successful.

Thirty of our Essential candidates won their races -- fully 55 percent of our list. Among them were those winning important races in Ohio, New York, Wisconsin, Delaware, and Nevada -- all places where Democrats were able to win new legislative majorities.

We are all to aware that these victories would not have been possible without the support of friends like you. Thank you, once again, for all that you do.

Last month, we asked for your help in finding 10 additional candidates to support this cycle. Nearly 2,000 of you wrote in to offer up the names of strong Democratic legislative candidates who need national attention.

We were overwhelmed by the response, and we couldn't stop with just 10. Below you'll find profiles of 15 legislative candidates who we are adding to our list of Essential Races.

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Daniel Bliss -- Illinois House District 17

Daniel Bliss is an educator from Chicago, Illinois. He currently works as a professor of mathematics at the University of Chicago and volunteers as a math teacher at North Lawndale College Preparatory High School, in Chicago's west side. He serves on the steering committee of Our Climate Matters (a global warming project sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Wilmette), the Board of Directors of the Democratic Party of Evanston, the Social Action Committee of Temple Beth Israel, the Voice and Action Committee of the Young Professionals of Evanston, and the Advisory Board of the Chicago branch of Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century.

Trish O'Neil -- Wisconsin Assembly District 47

Trish O'Neil currently serves her community as the president of the Columbus School District Board of Education in Columbus, Wisconsin. For 19 years, she worked as a registered nurse, including hospital staff nursing, home health, clinic nursing and management, outpatient settings and diabetic education. She is currently the co-owner and manager, with her husband, of a private family practice clinic. She previously served as the director of the Elder Peer Support program in Columbus. She is an active member of the American Diabetes Association, the Wisconsin Public Radio 9XM Leadership Circle, the League of Women Voters, the Wisconsin Nurses Association, and other civic organizations.

Ty Harrell -- North Carolina House District 41

Ty Harrell was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives two years ago and is currently seeking reelection. He currently serves on the Committees for Appropriations; Health; Transportation; Commerce, Small Business, & Entrepreneurship; Children, Youth, & Families; and Science & Technology. In the legislature, he is a leader on improving education, creating jobs, and expanding health care coverage. Earlier this year, the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research named Harrell the most effective freshman legislator in the state.

Sherrie Matula -- Texas House District 129

Sherrie Matula is an educator and community activist from Houston, Texas. In 2006, she ran a very strong campaign for the same seat that she is trying to win now. She currently works as a science education consultant for schools in Houston, El Paso and the Temple Independent School District. She previously served as president of the Galveston County Education District and on the board of the Texas State Teachers Association. She was a teacher in the Clear Creek and Pasadena Independent School Districts for 25 years.

Steve Rovner -- Pennsylvania House District 178

Steve Rovner is an attorney and litigator from Holland, Pennsylvania. He works at the law firm his father founded more than thirty-five years ago, where he advocates for clients primarily against insurance companies that improperly fail to pay health and liability benefits. As a community activist, he has worked with his neighbors to successfully defeat more than $20 million from being spent by a local township on unnecessary construction projects. He is a member of the Northampton Historical Society, the Bucks County Historical Society, the Churchville Nature Center, and the Northampton Business and Professional Association.

Sam Murphey -- Texas House District 55

Sam Murphey is a former paratrooper and Army Ranger from Harker Heights, Texas. He left the military in 1989 as a lieutenant colonel, having served in the United States, Europe, Korea, and Vietnam. Before deciding to seek public office, he was the district director for U.S. Representative Chet Edwards. From 1991 to 1996, he worked as a military and veterans liaison for Congressman Edwards. He is currently the vice chair of the board of directors for the Heart O' Texas Federal Credit Union and the co-founder of the Harker Heights Economic Development Corporation.

Penny Bernard Schaber -- Wisconsin Assembly District 57

Penny Bernard Schaber is a community activist from Appleton, Wisconsin. In 2006, she ran very strong campaign for her state assembly district -- winning more than 46 percent of the vote and nearly defeating a 10-year Republican incumbent. She is a member of the Fox Valley Sierra Group and serves as chair of Wisconsin’s John Muir Chapter of the Sierra Club. She previously worked as a physical therapist at hospitals, in private practice, nursing homes, and schools in the Appleton community.

Judy Hirsh -- Pennsylvania Senate District 15

Judy Hirsh has been a community leader in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where she owns and operates her own business. She currently serves as president of the Londonderry School, where she led a $2.5 million effort to expand and develop the school's facilities and programs, including the construction of the community's first "green," environmentally-sustainable education center. She has a seat on the board of the Harrisburg Humane Society and is involved with various civic organizations.

Terry Hertle -- Iowa House District 39

Terry Hertle is a farmer from Newhall, Iowa. He is an active member of the Farm Bureau, National Farmer’s Union and Benton County Pork Producers, and he currently represents his town on the Benton County Community Foundation. He is a past member of the Benton County Cattlemen, Benton County Soybean Association, Iowa Corn Growers and Lions Club and previously served on the WMT Radio Farm Panel and was on the Pioneer Seed Corn Advisory Board.

Lou Anne Weix -- Wisconsin Assembly District 90

Lou Anne Weix is health care professional from Howard, Wisconsin. For 30 years, she has worked as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and in 2007, she was appointed by Governor Jim Doyle to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing, a nomination that was unanimously confirmed by the Senate. She has been deeply involved with the Wisconsin Association of Nurse Anesthetists, where she has served as state president, government relations chair, and public relations chair. In one important instance, she worked with fellow nurses and key Wisconsin legislators to forge legislation that allowed nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners to prescribe medications within their scope of practice.

Linda Newell -- Colorado Senate District 26

Linda Newell is a business consultant from Littleton, Colorado. She is an expert in human resources and corporate education and has worked as a facilitator for dislocated workers who were laid off and employees new to the workforce. She is an active member of the American Red Cross, the Special Olympics, and the March of Dimes, and has served as the education foundation chair for a chapter of the American Association of University Women. She also served on the Denver Metro Regional Workforce Development Council and participated on the Governor’s Taskforce on Workforce Development.

Bud Martin -- New Hampshire House District 3

Bud Martin is a retired judge and small business owner from Sandwich, New Hampshire. He has served as a family division judge and a member of the district court. He was previously a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. He is a member of the Salvation Army Board and has been actively involved with numerous other civic organizations. He is running for the legislature to improve public education, promote energy conservation, and strengthen local businesses.

Nate Cote -- New Mexico House District 53

Nate Cote was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives two years ago and is currently seeking reelection. In 2006, he defeated the Republican Minority Whip to win his district. He is currently a senior adjunct professor with Park University and works full time as the academic director for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Holloman Campus. For four years, he served in the U.S. Navy, and as a civilian, he worked as a personnel officer for the U.S. Air Force -- stationed in Maine, Florida, and New Mexico, as well as bases in both Europe and Asia. He is a frequent guest lecturer on strategic planning at Air University.

Tara Johnson -- Wisconsin Senate District 32

Tara Johnson serves her community as the vice chair of the county board in La Crosse, Wisconsin. From 1993 to 2000, she was the director of the La Crosse Area United Way. She is a member of the Economic Development Fund, where she worked to bring 200 new jobs to her community and protected hundreds more from leaving. She serves as a board member for the Rotary Club of La Crosse, the United Fund for the Arts and Humanities, the Women’s Fund of the La Crosse Community Foundation, and the La Crosse Public Education Foundation. She is also an active member of the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Tony Bompiani -- Pennsylania Senate District 39

Dr. Tony Bompiani is a chiropractor from Hempfield, Pennsylvania. For 12 years, he served as the school director for the Hempfield Area School District, and for 15 years, he was a member of the Youngwood and Hempfield recreation boards. He is an outspoken advocate for the expansion and improvement of health care coverage and education reform. He is also running for the legislature to reshape the state property tax system, improve public infrastructure, and promote ethics reform.

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We need your help to support all of these strong Democrats. Will you take a minute to make a contribution that will help Democrats win majorities all across the country?

http://dlcc.org/action/contribute

Brian Foley -- New York Senate District 3

Who he is: Brian Foley is the town supervisor for his community in Brookhaven, New York. He previously served in the Suffolk County Legislature, where he sponsored legislation to increase access to higher education, to make hospitals safer, and worked to establish new protections against secondhand smoke in the workplace. He is a member of the Brookhaven Roe YMCA Board of Directors, Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Advisory Board, Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, Suffolk County Community Mediation Center, and other civic organizations.

Why his race matters: Democrats in New York only need to win two more seats to gain control of the state senate for the first time in almost 70 years. Earlier this year, Democrats closed the gap in the chamber by winning special elections in two districts that we haven't controlled in more than century, and polling indicates that more than half of the voters in New York support a Democratic takeover of the Senate. Brian Foley represents an important opportunity to do just that.

Kate Segal -- Michigan House District 62

Who she is: Kate Segal is a county commissioner from Battle Creek, Michigan. From 2002 to 2006, she worked in the state House of Representatives as a health policy analyst, and she previously served as the district director for State Senator Mark Schauer. Segal currently serves as chair of the United Way Strong and Successful Families and Children Solutions Team, is a board member Urban League of Battle Creek, and chair of the Junior League of Battle Creek’s Nutrition Project.

Why her race matters: Democrats control the Michigan House by six seats, 58/52. A victory for Kate Segal will bring a seasoned leader to Lansing and help Democrats in the chamber solidify their majority, build momentum for a Democratic agenda in the state, and ensure that the party is well positioned for redistricting in 2010.

Nancy Garland -- Ohio House District 20

Who she is: Nancy Garland is a health care expert from New Albany, Ohio. She began her career in Washington, DC where she worked as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill, then as an advocate for the American Optometric Association, and finally as the director of government affairs for the American Physical Therapy Association. Upon returning to Ohio, she worked for five years as the executive director of the Ohio Physical Therapy Association. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at The Ohio State University School of Allied Medical Professions where she teaches health policy in the physical therapy doctoral program.

Why her race matters: After years of GOP control, Democrats are gradually gaining strength throughout the state. In the House, Republicans currently hold a seven seat majority, 46/53. If candidates like Nancy Garland can pick up open seats, Democrats have an opportunity to make a play for the chamber this cycle.

Jeff Steinborn -- New Mexico House District 39

Who he is: Jeff Steinborn is an environmentalist from Las Cruces, New Mexico. He currently serves as a member of the state House of Representatives, where he sits on the Committees for Energy & Natural Resources as well as Health & Government Affairs. He works as the the southern director for the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance and is a co-founder of the High Tech Consortium of Southern New Mexico. He previously worked as an aide to then-Congressman Bill Richardson and to Senator Jeff Bingaman.

Why his race matters: Two years ago, Jeff Steinborn won his race in an open seat formerly held by Republicans. Now the GOP is working hard to defeat Steinborn and retake the district. Democrats control the New Mexico House but must reelect all of their vulnerable incumbents to protect their majority.

Two weeks ago, we asked for your help identifying strong Democrats running competitive races for state legislature all across the country.

We've been overwhelmed by your response. All told, more than 1,800 of you have taken the time to tell us about inspirational local leaders who need national attention.

At midnight tonight, we'll go through your recommendations and select 10 more candidates to support through our Essential Races program.

If you haven't already, will you take the time to tell us about a race we should be watching in your area?

http://www.dlcc.org/action/2008Races

Jennifer Haase -- Michigan House District 32

Who she is: Jennifer Haase is an educator from Richmond, Michigan. She works as an elementary teacher in her local public school. For the past four years, she has been a building representative for her union, and she currently serves as a Curriculum Leader in the district. She is a member of the National Education Association and the Michigan Education Association, as well as Clean Water Action, and the Michigan Reading Association.

Why her race matters: Democrats control the Michigan House by six seats, 58/52. A victory for Jennifer Haase will help legislative leaders solidify their majority, build momentum for a Democratic agenda in the state, and ensure that the party is well positioned for redistricting in 2010.

Matt Patten -- Ohio House District 18

Who he is: Matt Patten is a community organizer from Strongville, Ohio. He currently works as a labor management field coordinator, working with civic and business leaders to find solutions that will benefit everyone in his community. He is running on a platform of improving education, enhancing economic development opportunities, extending access to affordable health care coverage and assisting seniors and their families.

Why his race matters: After years of GOP control, Democrats are gradually gaining strength throughout the state. In the House, Republicans currently hold a seven seat majority, 46/53. If candidates like Matt Patten can pick up open seats, Democrats have an opportunity to make a play for the chamber this cycle.

Steve Sodders -- Iowa Senate District 22

Who he is: Steve Sodders is a law enforcement official with more than 20 years of experience from State Center, Iowa. He currently works as the deputy sheriff for Marshall County. He has previously a D.A.R.E instructor and detective on the Mid Iowa Drug Task Force. He serves his community through his involvement with YMCA, the Youth and Shelter Services organizations, and the Iowa Rivers Red Cross. He is also involved with the Iowa Teamsters Law Enforcement League.

Why his race matters: Democrats in the Iowa Senate are looking to build on their majority in the upper chamber in order to pass an agenda that helps all the people of their state. Steve Sodders is running a strong race for an open district currently held by a Republican and has a great opportunity to pick up the seat.

Brittany MacLean -- Montana Senate District 2

Who she is: Brittany MacLean is a mother of four from Whitefish, Montana. She currently works as a grant writer for organizations like the Glacier National Park Fund. She previously worked for the Juneau Family Health and Birth Center -- an organization she founded in Alaska -- and served on the steering committee for her community Boys and Girls Club. She began her career as an Americorps volunteer, helping run an after school program for children and their parents.

Why her race matters: Democrats won a majority in the Montana Senate in 2006 and currently control the chamber by two seats, 26/24. Our leaders in the state are hard at work to build on their majority in the chamber in order to pass an agenda that helps all the people of their state. The outcome of Brittany MacLean's race could decide which party controls the chamber until 2010.

John DeFrancisco -- Pennsylvania House District 162

Who he is: John DeFrancisco has served his community for 17 years as an elected councilman and council president in Norwood Borough. For 24 years, he has served the United Auto Workers, local 1069, where he has been president since 2001. DeFrancisco has also served on the AFL-CIO Board as Vice-President, C.A.P. Council UAW Region #9 and Eddystone/1069 Optimist Club as Vice President.

Why his race matters: Democrats in Pennsylvania control the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by just one seat. A victory for John DeFrancisco will help the party solidify control over the chamber and promote a Democratic agenda for the people of the state.

Nancy Michael -- Indiana House District 44

Who she is: Nancy Michael served as mayor of Greencastle, Indiana for 12 years. During her tenure, she oversaw construction of a new $12.3 million wastewater treatment facility, developed a broadband/DSL Internet program for the community through the partnership with USDA and Cinergy Metronet, and pushed for infrustructure development to attract new businesses. She is running to improve education, develop a fair property tax system, and grow Indiana's economy.

Why her race matters: Democrats in Indiana control the chamber by just two seats, and Nancy Michael is targeting a key Republican-held district that Democrats need to win in order to expand their majority. In the legislature, she will bring immediate expertise on economic development.

Doc Woerner -- Montana House District 58

Who he is: Doc Woerner is a small business owner and veterinarian from Laurel, Montana. He has served his community on the BLM Resource Advisory Council for Eastern Montana, the Montana Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, and the Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board. He is a member of the Yellowstone Business Partnership, Montana Conservation Voters, the Montana Farm Bureau, and many other civic organizations.

Why his race matters: Neither party has been able to solidify control over the Montana House -- it has changed hands in each of the last two elections. It was tied four years ago under Democratic leadership, and now Republicans currently control the chamber by one seat, 50/49 (with one independent). Democrats have an opportunity to win a majority this year, but for that to happen, we need to win competitive races like that of Doc Woerner.

Martha McLeod -- New Hampshire Senate District 1

Who she is: Martha McLeod is a health care professional and the director of a not for profit organization in New Hampshire. She currently serves as a state representative where she sits on the Finance Committee. As the head of the North Country Health Consortium, she has worked to improve quality and access to health care in her community, bringing in more than $10 million to the area over the last nine years for issues like professional education for rural doctors and nurses, technology updates for health care facilities, substance abuse prevention, parenting programs and oral health services.

Why her race matters: Democrats control the New Hampshire Senate by four seats, 14/10. Party leaders look at 2008 as an opportunity to build momentum toward a Democratic agenda in the next legislative session. As an experienced legislator and health care expert, Martha McLeod will be a strong addition to the upper chamber.

Evie Hudak -- Colorado Senate District 19

Who she is: Evie Hudak is an educator from Jefferson County, Colorado. She has worked as a classroom teacher, a member of the state PTA board of directors, and as the coordinator of the School Readiness Quality Improvement Program. She currently serves on the Colorado State Board of Education. She's an expert on early childhood issues -- serving on the Early Childhood State Systems Team, the School Readiness Indicators Project, and the Early Childhood Councils Leadership Alliance.

Why her race matters: Democrats gained control of the Colorado senate in 2005 and currently hold the chamber with a five seat majority, 20/15. A victory for Evie Hudak will help legislative leaders build momentum for a Democratic agenda in the state and ensure that the party is well positioned for redistricting in 2010.

Mike Moran -- Ohio House District 42

Who he is: Mike Moran has served his community on the city council of Hudson, Ohio since 2005. He is a trustee for the Hudson Rotary Club, sits on the advisory board for Community First, and has served as a trustee of the Westhaven Homeowners Association. He previously worked as an attorney in a corporate law firm and for a contractor for the Dept. of Justice.

Why his race matters: After years of GOP control, Democrats are gaining strength throughout Ohio. In the House, Republicans currently hold a seven seat majority, 46/53. Democrats have an opportunity to make a play for the chamber this cycle by targeting vulnerable Republican incumbents like Mike Moran's opponent.

Greg Matthews -- Oregon House District 50

Who he is: Greg Matthews is an officer in the fire department of Greshman, Oregon. He previously served the community as an officer in the police force, where he worked in the Gresham Barlow School District, teaching schoolchildren Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and giving kids the tools to make good choices while resisting drugs and violence. He began his career in the US military, where he fought in the battle of Granada.

Why his race matters: Democrats in Oregon hold the lower chamber by just two seats. Greg Matthews is challenging a vulnerable Republican, and the district represents an important pick up opportunities for those who want a long-term Democratic majority in the state of Oregon.

John Beard -- Iowa House District 16

Who he is: John Beard is a family farmer and small business owner from Iowa. He serves his community on the local conservation board and is the chair of his county Democratic party. He is an outdoorsman, who founded local chapters of Local Pheasants Forever and Trout Unlimited and serves as director of both groups. He is running to improve education, modernize his state's infrastucture, and promote new kinds of energy.

Why his race matters: Democrats in Iowa control the House of Representatives by six seats, 53/47. The party in the state is focused on building a majority that will help them to govern. A victory by John Beard will help to develop a Democratic agenda in Iowa.

Steve Newberry -- Kentucky Senate District 9

Who he is: Steve Newberry is a broadcasting executive with decades of experience in journalism and business development. He is currently the president and CEO of Commonwealth Broadcasting, which operates 25 radio stations and employs more than 100 individuals across the state of Kentucky. He previously served as the executive director for his community's Industrial Development Economic Authority, and still serves on the organization's board.

Why his race matters: Democrats only need to pick up seven seats this year to gain control of the Kentucky Senate. A victory for Steve Newberry will bring Democrats in the state one step closer to controlling the chamber. Newberry will bring his extensive experience in business to the legislature and immediately begin working to transform the state's economy.

Mary Jo Wilhelm -- Iowa Senate District 8

Who she is: Mary Jo Wilhelm is a small business owner from Decorah, Iowa. She serves on the board of supervisors for her community. For nearly a decade, she has worked in real estate, and in 2006 she founded her own company -- Wilhelm Appraisers. She is running to improve access to health care, to promote quality and affordable education, and to develop roads and infrastructure that will spur economic growth.

Why her race matters: Democrats in the Iowa Senate are looking to build on their majority in the upper chamber in order to pass an agenda that helps all the people of their state. Mary Jo Wilhelm is running a strong race against a vulnerable Republican incumbent.

John Burger -- Indiana House District 63

Who he is: John Burger is a farmer from Jasper, Indiana. Since 2002, he has served as county commissioner in his community, and he previously spent a decade on the county council. He was a chief advocate for the creation of the Dubois County Economic Development Commission and currently serves as vice chair of the public-private board.

Why his race matters: Democrats in Indiana control the chamber by just two seats, and John Burger is running in a key open district that Democrats need to win in order to protect their majority. He will bring immediate expertise on economic development to the legislature.

Ayanna Lee -- Pennsylvania House District 44

Who she is: Ayanna Lee is a lawyer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In her community, she serves as a youth mentor with the Duquesne University, provides pro bono legal services to the elderly and indigent, and works as a member of the Moon Township Historic Architectural Review Board. She's running for the legislature to improve education, reduce property taxes, and grow the economy.

Why her race matters: Democrats in Pennsylvania control the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by just one seat. A victory for Ayanna Lee will help the party solidify control over the chamber and promote a Democratic agenda for the people of the state.

Fran Florez -- California Assembly District 30

Who she is: Fran Florez is the current vice chair of the California High Speed Rail Authority -- the agency responsible for planning, building and operating a high-speed train system in the state. She was a popular two-term mayor of Shafter, a city deep in GOP territory in the state's agricultural Central Valley.

Why this race matters: California is one of three states where a two-thirds vote is required to pass a budget. This year, the GOP was able to delay the budget for a record 83 days and forced deep cuts to education funding. A victory by Fran Florez brings Democrats a step closer to the two-thirds majority required to overcome their obstruction.

Keith Erwin -- Oklahoma Senate District 31

Who he is: Keith Erwin is a entrepreneur and community leader from Lawton, Oklahoma. For twenty years he has owned and operated his own insurance company. He has served as a chair or board member for numerous organizations in his community, including the Lawton Urban Renewal Authority, Lawton United Way, Southwest Oklahoma Advanced Technology Association, i2E -- Oklahoma’s premier technology commercialization.

Why his race matters: Oklahoma is one of two chambers in the country with an even split between Republicans and Democrats. If we hold all the seats that Democrats currently control, Keith Erwin can change the conversation in his state from the day he takes office.

John Fleming -- Montana House District 12

Who he is: John Fleming is an educator and rancher from St. Ignatius, Montana. He has been an active member of his community planning board for more than 20 years. He is running on a platform of responsible energy solutions, fiscal responsibility, and protection for his state’s hunters and sportsmen.

Why his race matters: Neither party has been able to solidify control over the Montana House -- it has changed hands in each of the last two elections. It was tied four years ago under Democratic leadership, and now Republicans currently control the chamber by one seat, 50/49 (with one independent). Democrats have an opportunity to win a majority this year, but for that to happen, we need to win open seats like the being sought by John Fleming.

Marilyn Dondero Loop -- Nevada House District 5

Who she is: Marilyn Dondero Loop is an educator from Las Vegas, Nevada. For more than 30 years, she served her community as a teacher and librarian, winning awards for her work in the classroom. In 2004, she left teaching and currently works for a publisher of textbook materials. She currently serves on the board of directors for Spread the Word Nevada, an organization which works to improve literacy at all levels.

Why her race matters: In the past two years, Democrats have built a solid edge in voter registration numbers for the district, and the current GOP incumbent is retiring from the legislature to seek a different office. Marilyn Dondero Loop represents a strong opportunity for Democrats to add to their majority in Nevada's lower chamber, and she will be an outstanding advocate for education from the day she takes office.

Mick Holm -- Montana House District 3

Who he is: Earlier this year, Mick Holm retired from a 33-year career with the National Park Service. For the last six years, he served as the superintendent of Glacier National Park, one of the state's natural treasures. He has served his community as a member of the University of Montana President's Advisory Council and National Parks and Conservation Northern Rockies Regional Council. He is an honorary chief of Blackfeet Nation.

Why his race matter: Control of the Montana House has changed hands in each of the last two elections. It was tied in 2004 with Democratic leadership, and Republicans currently control the chamber by one seat, 50/49 (with one independent). Mick Holm represents an enormous opportunity to build a new majority in the state.

Manual Perez -- California Assembly District 80

Who he is: The son of farm workers who met in the fields, Manuel Perez represents the quintessential American story -- graduating from Harvard and now serving on the school board in his community. An educator, he's been a teacher and fought for school modernization -- including making record investments in new classrooms so the next generation can follow his path to success.

Why this race matters: Although Democrats have a slight edge in registration in the district, this seat fell into Republican hands six years ago. The incumbent is term limited. This gives Democrats their best chance in a decade to recapture it and build on their majority.

Jennifer Brady -- Ohio House District 16

Who she is: Jennifer Brady is a first-term state representative running for reelection. She currently sits on the Committees for Education, Healthcare Access and Affordability, and Commerce and Labor. She has sponsored legislation to reduce the cost of health care, improve education, and foster economic growth.

Why her race matters: After years of GOP control, Democrats are gradually gaining strength throughout the state. In the House, Republicans currently hold a seven seat majority, 46/53. Democrats have an opportunity to make a play for the chamber this cycle, but first, we need to protect incumbents like Jennifer Brady.

Toby Forsberg -- Oregon House District

Who he is: Toby Forsberg has been a small business owner and a credit union director. He is currently working in the public sector for his community. He is a board member of the Oregon City Chamber of Commerce where he was responsible for working with hundreds of business leaders to create more jobs for the community. He also serves on the Oregon Impact Board which aims to keep drunk drivers off the roads. He previously served as a member of the Clackamas County Economic Development Commission and as a member of the Oregon City Schools Foundation.

Why his race matters: Democrats in Oregon hold the lower chamber by just two seats. Toby Forsberg is running for an open seat vacated by a retiring Republican, and the district represents an important pick up opportunities for those who want a long-term Democratic majority in the state.