Indicators

Two Sunday morning bites:

North Carolina: Indicating that she may run for re-election, Elizabeth Dole is not ready to be a straight-up rubber stamp for Bush's escalation.

Dole, who was in Iraq last spring, was more hesitant, saying she was "inclined" to support the troop increase.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Dole said she "want(s) to know more details about the specific missions these men and women will perform, and how this new direction will get the job done, stabilize Iraq, and allow our troops in harm's way to return home."

A healthy dose of skepticism from someone who seems to be concerned about keeping her job.

Iowa: The Iowa Democratic Party was perhaps the third most successful state party in 2006, after New Hampshire and Arkansas. And its no small indicator that Senator Harkin was the most frequent Bush-position opponent in 2006. With the clear blueing of Iowa, Harkin is more likely to face token opposition rather than a well-funded Congressperson or other institutional GOP official who would risk a current office for a Senate run.