Plouffe to Dems: No 'bed-wetting'

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. Democratic Party campaign strategy manager David Plouffe says now is not the time for "bed-wetting" after the party lost a Massachusetts Senate election.

Plouffe, appointed by President Barack Obama to staunch further Democratic losses after Republican Scott Brown last week won the seat once held by the late Edward Kennedy, listed "no bed-wetting" in a Sunday Washington Post opinions piece as among the actions the party must take to recover in time for the 2010 midterm elections.

"This will be a tough election for our party and for many Republican incumbents as well," Plouffe wrote. "Instead of fearing what may happen, let's prove that we have more than just the brains to govern -- that we have the guts to govern."

Plouffe acknowledged the challenge won't be easy because the governing party typically loses in midterm elections, but he urged courage, writing, "We may not have perfect results, but November will be nothing like the nightmare that talking heads have forecast."

And, Plouffe added, "Let's fight like hell, not because we want to preserve our status, but because we sincerely believe too many everyday Americans will continue to lose if Republicans and special interests win."