Apocalyptic.  Most people are there right now. What are we hearing?

“Deficits are out of control everywhere — $12.5 billion and growing in Connecticut alone.”

“States will have to start declaring bankruptcy.”

“One out of every three dollars in the U.S. belongs to the Chinese government.”

I’m not apocalyptic – although things are not good. Americans have been here before and we’ve come back many, many times. Coming back is part of who we are. We’re good at it and we like doing it. We still have the fundamental tools needed to fix problems: a remarkably innovative and productive population; a wealth of natural resources; and a public ready for great leadership. That’s the good news.

The bad news is we are currently watching a generation of political leaders trying to grow up while in office. Things have been easy for them for quite a while and the shock of having to make hard decisions and give up self-centered ways is difficult. The bottom line: time to grow up or get out.

Democrats shouldn’t need anyone to tell them that government has a spending problem, not an income problem. They shouldn’t need anyone to tell them big government is not the solution, big government is the problem. And they certainly didn’t need people in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey to tell them they have a very big problem themselves.

Not that everyone is in love with Republicans right now either. Registered Independents and conservative Democrats have been trying to send a strong message to Washington Democrats. And Washington Democrats have been misinterpreting the message. Pushing big government harder than ever will lead to one certainty this November – good news for Republican candidates.

All of this points to Republicans having an opportunity to win and win big this fall. We have an historic opportunity to restore balance to the Connecticut state legislature – currently overwhelmingly represented by liberal Democrats (with a veto proof majority they do whatever they want). But this all should come with a note of caution. Actually, big flashing neon signs of caution.

The GOP is poised for victory in many places this November but our party needs to realize that a campaign is about more than just winning. It’s about advancing ideas and inspiring others to action. To do that takes more than a candidate. It takes a leader. Right in our backyard we have two such leaders in John Frey and Toni Boucher. Their dogged advocacy and tireless efforts on our behalf demonstrate the qualities we need in public officials everywhere.

Leaders like John and Toni give me comfort even as the storm continues to gather.