Southern strategery

Much is being made in the blogosphere about Novak's recent statement regarding Trent Lott's potential retirement:

When George W. stood aside while Trent Lott was tossed out, I wrote on Dec. 23, 2002, that the secret liberal theme behind his defenestration was that "the GOP's Southern base, the bedrock of its national election victories, is an illegitimate legacy from racist Dixiecrats.

Now, three years later, that bedrock may be eroding.

It's that last part that has everyone excited. I think it's too soon to start partying, but it seems there has been some theorizing about this potential power shift for some time. Digby has a most interesting piece quoted - go read it.