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The circumstantial evidence would prove that to be true, although under the right conditions, it can happen. McIntosh took a kamikaze run at a popular Governor in Indiana (well, he was still popular in 2000); Largent was more of a mixed bag (nevermind the fact that he started to go bad when he voiced his opinion on Elian Gonzalez, seriously calling into question his good judgment) and he got way too overconfident in his campaign (some that weren't thrilled with him went to the 3rd party independent in the race) and failed to realize he was trailing; Matt Salmon in Arizona also similarly didn't campaign as vigorously as needed outside of Phoenix (especially in the Tucson area), even as we swept practically all other statewide offices (save Attorney-General). In my state, Van Hilleary had to suffer through a brutal primary and was seriously undermined by Gov. Sundquist, RINO supremo, and then couldn't match the funds of Pharoah Phil Bredesen who was allowed to spend obscene amounts of money (via loaning himself money to his own campaign) in direct violation of state law (the 'Rat hack Atty Gen refused to enforce the law).

In any event, we're forgetting three success stories this cycle, that of Mark Sanford in SC, Bob Riley in AL and Bob Ehrlich in MD, and that's nothing to sneeze at. With Ernie Fletcher in KY this year, hopefully we'll get another GOP Conservative into a Governor's Mansion.

all these points are well taken; certainly some congressmen become governor. Thank God for Riley, that's for sure.

However, I believe that my apprehension is borne out historically. It is harder, much harder, for a congressman to become Governor than a state attorney general. Conversely it is easier for a congressman to become a Senator than an AG.

There is also the guy from Nebraska a few years ago, Jon Christensen, who also ran and fell short. Wes Watkins in Oklahoma also ran numerous times, as a D and as an I. He never made it, eventually returning to the US House as an R.

With the US House so close, I think we should try to keep as many of the good guys in the House rather than encouraging them to dream of being Governor. I think the issue is structural and the difference b/w state and federal politics. I just think that congresman to governor is an awkward leap.

Glad to know that some of you follow elections like I do....fun stuff.

In any event, we're forgetting three success stories this cycle, that of Mark Sanford in SC, Bob Riley in AL and Bob Ehrlich in MD, and that's nothing to sneeze at. With Ernie Fletcher in KY this year, hopefully we'll get another GOP Conservative into a Governor's Mansion.

While I like Bob Ehrlich, I wouldn't refer to him as a conservative. He's unfortunately pro abortion. If he weren't, I expect he'd be seriously looked at as a presidential contender in 2008 (assuming he won re-election in 2006).