Some fascinating figures from GOPAC:

Republican state legislative campaign committees and state parties have filed a record number of candidates for state legislative seats in key chambers across the United States, according to a study conducted by GOPAC. After a review of filings in 10 key chambers where filing deadlines have closed, Republicans have filed to run for 678 of 812 seats up for election this year – nearly 10 percent more seats than Democratic candidates. Equally impressive, Republican candidates are contesting 289 of a possible 368 state legislative seats currently held by Democratic incumbents who are seeking reelection in 2010 for a challenge rate of 78 percent. Democrats, by contrast, are contesting 172 of a possible 344 seats currently held by Republican incumbents who are seeking reelection in 2010 for a challenge rate of 50 percent.

When I saw “record number of candidates,” I wondered how much the number was being boosted by multiple candidates in GOP primaries; in some House districts, you’ve got small armies of candidates competing for the nomination, with a certain number certain to finish in the low single digits. (The seat of retiring Kansas Democrat Dennis Moore has attracted 10 GOP candidates; in Tennessee, there are eight GOP candidates each in the seats of retiring Democrat Bart Gordon and aspiring Republican governor Zach Wamp.)

What impresses me about this is that it isn’t counting multiple candidates; this is just making sure that as many Democratic incumbents earn it as possible.

GOPAC chairman Frank Donatelli declares:

In state after state, Republicans have the highest number of candidates seeking state Senate and House seats in their history. This is the first step to making significant gains in state legislatures and increasing the number of majorities we have in state Senate and House Chambers. In turn, Republican legislatures across the country, working with conservative Governors, will be in a position to successfully implement common-sense ideas and build a foundation for the Republican Party’s national platform.

And, I note, redistricting. But getting folks to run is indeed only the first step.