As I write these words there are three key political races in play: New Jersey, Virgina and New York.

In the former, Republican Chris Christie is in a tight, fluid battle against deeply entrenched, heavily-monied Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine for the governor’s seat. New Jersey boasts the highest taxes in the country and Christie has been quoted saying he’ll run like a one-term Governor. His campaign has built a strong beachhead despite Corine bringing in such big guns as Obama and former President Bill Clinton.

In Virgina Republican Bob McDonnell has a healthy double-digit lead over Democrat Creigh Deeds, also for the governor’s seat. Virginia was a swing-state for Obama in the presidential election, and if it turns back to a red state it would obviously be a rejection of Obama; this in only ten months.

Finally, a fascinating race in New York has garnered national attention, where long-shot Independent and true Conservative Doug Hoffman has received an emphatic bump in the polls due to recent high profile endorsements from Sarah Palin, Tim Pawlenty, Fred Thompson and others, in his bid to claim  New York’s coveted 23rd district Congressional seat.

So why are these races so important? For one thing, they measure the political pulse of voters just ten months after Obama’s presidential win. All three races, and Virginia in particular, are a referendum on Obama and strong evidence toward a resurgence in conservatism.

Take the NY race in which Independent Doug Hoffman is gaining tremendous favor in the polls, while the Republican-endorsed Dede Scozzafava is dropping fast in approval. Scozzafava is beyond a RINO; she is quite literally a liberal. Republican voters are thirsty for genuine hope and change, and are not impressed with Dede Scozzafava  just because she has an “R” in front of her name.

The New York race should be viewed as a battle cry from Republican voters to the GOP that they better get their house in order; voters want meaningful choices, not the same old same old.

For those who follow politics only peripherally, consider it this way: If Obama’s performance on the national stage was uniformly considered exceptional, none of these races would be close. Voters would be continuing their zeal over the election of Obama. But this is not happening.

At this snapshot moment in time, I can say with confidence that Bob McDonnell will take Virgina, and that is big! If Christie takes New Jersey that will be definitive proof that conservatism is on the assent. As for New York, the rejection of a fake Republican, despite the outcome, demonstrates Republican voters want viable, strong conservative candidates.

The Obama administration has already begun a whisper campaign denouncing Creigh Deeds in Virginia for not better utilizing Obama’s personal assistance. They are quite literally throwing one of their own under the bus even before the election has taken place. There are a lot of people now residing under that proverbial bus.

Take heart dear reader. This is only a prelude of many more important races coming in 2010. Each Republican/Conservative win further shifts the balance of power in the House of Representatives, which is extremely important.

If you consider that the Democrats are struggling with passing legislation now, where they have majorities as far as the eye can see, imagine how much more difficulty they’ll encounter when some of their seats are replaced with responsible, pragmatic Republicans who respect small businesses, dislike an over-reaching government, and believe in and revere the words of the Constitution.

Strive on Patriots! Get involved. Follow the races and do what you can to bring REAL Hope and Change back to the USA!