Democrats' November chances

Time thinks the Democrats should be worried for five reasons:

1. Michael Steele - Says he makes gaffes and the result of the incident
with the staffer blowing RNC money at nightclub 2. Fundraising - RNC hasn't raised as much money as in 1994
3. Tea Parties - Says there's a disconnect between the tea party GOP
candidate and the establishment GOP candidate and that will hurt them. Also references the loss of House seat in upstate NY where there was essentially a very liberal Republican and a conservative running against a Democrat.
4. Who's the Leader? - No Newt
5. Legislative Wins - Democrats have had legislative wins
unlike 1994.

My Take:

1. The RNC may be hurt by scandal, but donors will just give money to candidates directly. I don't see how aggregate funding of candidates is hurt

2. Today its easier ability to donate directly to a candidate via the web. I think people are preferring to do that, especially the small donor.

3. Times assumes that the "tea party" candidate is not a Republican. Charlie Crist is typical of the establishment Republican that can win an election, but often votes for government expansion. Marco Rubio is a Republican and will win Florida. The NY state election was a one-off incident based on the extreme liberal views of the Republican candidate and the late entry of the Conservative candidate.

4. There is a bit of a leadership void, but there are some candidates that may jump in such as Eric Cantor or Paul Ryan. Anger at the Democrats alone will win several seats, but Republicans do need a clear action plan, like the contract. They need to clearly state how they will dial back government overreach, instead of just being the slow road to socialism instead of the fast road.

5. Just because Democrats passed something, that won't help them. People are angry with the Democrats forcing healthcare bill despite huge opposition. The Dems can't hook people onto benefits since they dont' start until 2014.