On the heels of the Netroots victory in Connecticut with Ned Lamont, there is much excitement, confidence, and hope pervading the progressive blogosphere. But where do we go from here?

That's a no-brainer. Now we have to get him and other 'Netroots' candidates elected -- into positions of policy-making power and influence that will help our movement ingrain itself in the political establishment. This is the step necessary to truly shift American policy toward the progressive agenda that was set forth by its forefathers. This is how we'll infiltrate 'establishment' politics creating fundamental, long-lasting change.

And here, at DailyKos (And it's offspring Political Cortex), we Kossacks/Cortexans have something even more special. We have a 'DailyKos/Cortexan Candidate' -- someone born of our community to carry our message to the legislatures even as the rest of us carry our message to the masses.

This is it folks. Tonight is the night!

Endorsed by Eliot Spitzer...

Designated a 'Top Tier' race by the NY DSCC...

...Our man Brian Keeler (NYBri) is having a 'Blograiser' -- located physically in Manhattan and virtually online -- live-blogged on DailyKos.com and other excellent sites across the blogosphere.

This is our chance to make a bold statement about the direction of politics in America -- and continue to expand the passion and implement the progressive values of the Netroots.

Dear Future New York State Senator, Brian Keeler (NYBri),

I want to take this opportunity to broadly, and without any authority whatsoever, speak on behalf of the entire blogosphere by asking you to... relax. Take it easy.

Okay, so you're running for NY State Senate against a punk-ass Republican incumbent and that might cause a little stress.

Sure, as a long time net-denizen you and your campaign have become a cause célèbre with the progressive political blogosphere and that might put a little pressure on some.

And, yeah... The results of your pioneering run will, in many ways, reflect upon the current state of the 'gate-crashing' movement... the degree of influence... and the motivation and ability to get 'one of our own' elected to office.

So what! We really don't expect that much of you. How could we? You're just a mild mannered guy who believes what he says and acts as he believes.

You are invited to a NYC Fundraiser to benefit the campaign of NY State Senate Candidate Brian Keeler!

Our Netroots candidate is ready to ROCK with his first Manhattan fundraiser, but we need your help to spread the word!!

If you could please communicate this important message to everyone you know -- and ask them to spread the word as well -- it would be infinitely appreciated!

This event MUST be a huge success as it will serve as a sort of symbolic measuring stick (in the eyes of DC and the media) of the Netroot's determination to walk the walk when it comes to putting our ideas and passion into a position of policy determination (i.e. getting our people elected).