From Jim Vandehei’s and Jonathan Martin’s article today on what might fuel or fetter a GOP comeback:

In politics, the resurrection of the out party almost always comes from the failure or excesses of the in party.

A runner-up “line of the day” from the same article:

“The voters are likely to use Republicans as a check” in 2010, said former Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.). “Even if they don’t fully support us, they can give Republicans a protest vote.”

Though many of our contributors and readers won’t like to hear this: Davis’ comment characterizes roughly where I stand as I consider 2010. I love Obama on foreign policy and generally believe he’s the right man for the job right now. But, as I’ve argued before, every great president needs his dose of check-and-balance.

Thus — while I continue to be disgusted by much of what’s flung out of the Republican camp these days; while I recognize that much of what GOP leaders say on fiscal responsibility is utter hypocrisy; and while I by no means want the R’s completely in charge/running the show — I still appreciate the utility and potential value of their dissenting votes, especially on what might be budget-breaking proposals.

I’ll gladly reconsider this position, if the Blue Dogs prove to me they can hold the spending line, without being bullied into submission by Democratic leadership; ref. the conclusion of this post.

Until then, I’m inclined to hold my nose and root for the Republicans in 2010.

Go ahead, call me a fool. You know you want to.