Last night, it was once again my privilege to attend the annual black-tie Christmas party at the home of some very friendly, nice Carmel Republicans. (Friends of my husband, if you must know.)

It’s kind of a big deal in GOP circles. For me, it’s an opportunity to play a game I like to call “Spot-The-Dem,” where we mingle with Republicans while looking for people of our political persuasion. Last night, I counted seven total Democrats among probably 400 people.

That’s not the point. It’s a lovely affair, and some lovely people — mayors, lawmakers, judges, candidates, fundraisers and other assorted insiders — attend.

One fella I talked to for some time is former Seventh District Congressional candidate Brose McVey, who’s unofficially officially running in 2010 for the Fifth District Congressional seat currently occupied by everyone’s favorite golf buddy, Dan Burton. Unofficially officially running? McVey said he’s not making a formal announcement, but it would take a lot to derail his efforts at this point. He also gave me permission to write about it, which is a sign in and of itself that he’s ready to get out there a little more.

Interestingly enough, Burton was also at the party, though I didn’t get a chance to talk to him.

Among the half a dozen Dems in attendance, the hot topic, of course, was who’s running for Mayor in 2011. The bigger question: Who isn’t? I mean, seriously, there are like 20 folks out there floating their names right now.

People, it’s three years off, and we have to get a county prosecutor — and sheriff, for that matter — elected first.

Why?

Because if we don’t get our party apparatus in order by 2010, it’ll be a clear sign we’re not ready for 2011, and beating Greg Ballard isn’t going to be as easy as everyone assumes. Yeah, he’s dim, but he’s gonna be well funded and dim.

That being said, here are the three things I’m asking for in my political stocking this year: a good, qualified candidate for prosecutor; a retirement or two-way primary in the Burton race (otherwise, Burton’s opponents will split the vote, and he’ll walk away unscathed); and a strong mayoral candidate in 2011 who can raise beaucoup money, clear the field politically and inspire this city with a passion for leadership and an Obama-like vision that transcends party lines and serves as a comparison to Ballard’s humdrum, caretaker attitude toward governing.