On "Targeting"

Liberal writer E.J. Dionne has a very good column in the Washington Post, today.

One of the issues touched on is the argument for (and against) targeting. In this case, the argument is whether or not the Democrats should target their resources (or spread them around). But this also touches on the bigger issue of whether or not "targeting" is wise (as you'll see, there's a good side to both arguments):

(NRCC Chairman Rahm) Emanuel has expressed frustration over how much DNC money Dean has spent in his effort to create strong party organizations in all 50 states -- money that Congressional Democrats believe should be saved for this fall's key contests.

(RNC Chairman Howard) Dean argues, correctly, that Democrats will not be truly competitive if they are strong in only 18 or 20 "blue" states. Emanuel argues, also correctly, that this year offers Democrats their best chance in 12 at winning one or both houses of Congress. The party, he says, can't afford to fritter money away on long-term dreams.