He actually met W. in the early 1970's. He was instrumental in Bush winning the Texas governorship. He has also done huge work in organizing the Repubs in ways that no one has done before. Much of the grass roots efforts has been orchestrated by him. The last election was a show of local political strength by both sides. I really think the Dems thought they had it won based on their local organization. The trouble is they totally underestimated the success of the Repubs at the same level. Organizations like Moveon.org were hiring people to get the vote out an were paying for voter registration. The Republicans used volunteers to do the same and they were motivated for the right reasons and not by money. Consequently they did a better job of turning out the vote. I think most people in the country thought that if the Dems got more than 55 million votes they would win. Who would have thought Bush would get way over 60 million, I certainly didn't think it was possible.
IMO, the Repubs real test will be the 2006 elections. If they make more gains in the House and Senate it will be a remarkable achievement. No administration has increased seats for their party in Congress for four straight elections. Actually, I don't think it has been done for three consecutive elections. If they do I think it is a clear sign to the Dems that they had better do some real deep soul searching and start jettisoning people like Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Barbara Boxer etc. Hillary Clinton is trying so hard to look conservative it makes me laugh. It is the only chance she has to win. If any liberal can pull off looking like Zell Miller it would be her. :)
I think the Dems are looking for any way possible to slow Bush down on his agenda. Same goes for stopping any conservative Supreme Court nominees. They are trying the same tactics that Newt used only they aren't nearly as good at it. Then again, I never underestimate the Repubs ability to shoot themselves in the foot. :)