Allen has hired Dick Wadhams, who helped Thune get elected, and is arguably one of the biggest behind-the-scenes talents that the GOP has.
Wow...that's quite interesting..not many strategists can claim dumping a sitting majority leader. That along with Allen's success overall in the Senate campaigns (sans Coors) gives him a great headstart for '08. Being a former governor I think insulates him somewhat from just being viewed as Senator (a.k.a. Kerry, Kerrey, Dole, Gramm) etc..