Speaking of Greg Abbott...

Vince Leibowitz over at Capitol Annex notes a DMN report that Greg Abbott has more money stockpiled than any other Republican in the state, with almost $7.3 million cash on hand, leading to speculation about whether he's interested at staying put as AG or intends to run for higher office.  He could choose to run for governor, but with a number of other prominent Texas Republicans jockeying for position in advance of a possible gubernatorial run, he might choose another statewide office, perhaps running for lieutenant governor, where he would have more political power than he would as governor, or possibly running for the Senate seat that will soon be vacated by Kay Bailey Hutchison.  Per Leibowitz, Abbott could face a primary challenge if he decides to run for another term as AG, and a vigorous Democratic challenger as well if he secures renomination.

With so many Republicans looking at shuffling seats in 2010, the other advantages that we look to take into that election cycle could net some significant gains for Democrats.  We'll already have the advantage of changing demographics, and we could also have a Democrat in Rick Noriega representing the state in the Senate for the first time in years.  With Obama in the White House (knock on wood) and Dean or a similarly inclined successor running the national party, the grassroots in Texas will continue to be cultivated, and this will undoubtedly help the party's prospects in 2010.  2008 could be a key turning point in the fortunes of Texas Democrats, but 2010 might be the year that we begin seeing a really dramatic change in the state's political culture.