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The election is nine months away, we won't have a good read on the key issues until then. My $.02 is that the Republicans need to run on these issues:

Foreign:
War on Terrorism, the Democrats can not even manage to appear tough here.

Nation-building, Republican and hence US control and initiatives have Afghanistan and Iraq much closer to countries with governments than the UN in Kosovo and Bosnia.

Globalism, They need to talk this up, though the US may suffer a bit in the short run. With everyone tied at the hip it becomes a bit more difficult for any one madman to aggress another country. It may even be a new version of peace through strength.

Domestic:

Immigration, Another issue the democrats can't appear strong on (not that republicans) Come up with some real answers to this problem, and a plan to implement them.

Education, Specifically we need to produce more math and engineering majors. The Republican's could talk this up and get traction with ideas on how to get collegians to take an interest here. We need to stop catering to the worst students and seek a way to encourage excellence.

Economy, Just plain fight back here the truth is on the Republicans side.

Abortion, We've turned a corner. Point out that it is a moral abomination. Tie it to Social Security deficits. Tie it to illegal immigration. Tie it around the democrats necks. It will sink them as an issue.

Space, Look at mutually dissolving the treaty with Britain to allow private property in space and look at ways to reduce restrictions and create incentives on companies interested in space utilization and exploration.

Spending, Republicans must stress an innovative government rather than a large government. They need to take steps to end the runaway government. Problem here is they are at fault lately.

If the Republicans lead with ideas they may even pick up a few seats. A message with new ideas can beat the democrats who only have vicious attacks.