Its a tough time to be a Republican and it appears targeted GOP Senate candidates have little desire being photographed walking past Larry Craig's favorite restroom.

Among those who will not attend [the GOP nominating convention Saint Paul] are Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, who is not close to presumptive presidential nominee Sen. John McCain of Arizona, and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who is a McCain loyalist. Stevens and Collins will use the convention week to focus on their campaigns.

Also sending regrets is former Rep. Bob Schaffer of Colorado, running for the seat being vacated by retiring GOP Sen. Wayne Allard.

Six others -- Sens. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, John Sununu of New Hampshire, Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina and Gordon Smith of Oregon and challengers John Kennedy of Louisiana and Rep. Steve Pearce of New Mexico are still on the fence. Their spokesman offered responses ranging from "there are no plans yet" to "no decisions have been made."

This should be an interesting 100 days or so as we head into the conventions and the general election. Democrats have a lot of work to do between now and then, but it's a worthy exercise to remind ourselves now and again that although things may not appear to be going as we might like: it could be worse. Now is not the time to do our best Chicken Little impressions because hard work, perseverance and a firm commitment to our candidates will see us through the final push.

Now go make a contribution to your favorite Democrat, have a shot of good tequila, and keep the faith My Friends. (Oh shit, I think my McCainia is kicking in!)