I agree with lorax that the benefits of contesting and winning in red seats are worth the effort and resources.

Actually, I will go a step further.  The only way we are going to win consistently, ala Dean's 50 state strategy, is to spread the progressive message around the country.  Otherwise we will only win in wave elections and lose control when the public reverts to their standard Republican ways.

Only by winning hearts and minds will we win in the long term.  Electing a bunch of liberals in the NE and left coast will not endear progressive principles to everyone living in between.  

Getting guys like Lampson in office gives us a chance to spread the good word to places that do not hear our choir often enough.  Whether Lampson spreads the good word is another question, but it certainly will not hurt.