I have started to believe that Idaho Democrats have been down for so long that they might be suffering from the Stockholm Syndrome. That's the psychological phenomenon named after a small group of hostages in Sweden in 1973 who, despite being held against their will, came to closely identify with their captors. OK, I'm being a little facetious. Still as one who believes that a genuine two-party system just might serve Idaho better in the long run, it's difficult when looking at the shape of the 2010 contests not to think that Idaho Democrats are destined to be down for a long, long time. Like the Stockholm captives, they have gotten so very used to the GOP calling all the shots it has become difficult for Democrats to envision an alternative reality/Marc Johnson, The Johnson Post. More here.

• Hard to argue with Rep. Steve Thayn/Fort Boise
• AG: Health care lawsuit 'not inexpensive'/Sisyphus, 43rd Street Blues
• Can't we all just get along/IdaBlue
• Irrational hate/Morialekafa
• 2-fer: Daily politics brief, and: Thursday morning news/Treasured Valley

Question: Marc Johnson offers three steps that Idaho Demos should follow to get back in the political game. What do you think it would take to make Idaho D's more competitive?