Yesterday, Todd flagged a big story in the National Journal:

Nine of 12 targeted Republicans running in the most competitive Senate races this fall are either skipping the Republican convention in St. Paul, Minn., or have not decided whether to attend.

For example, among those looking to duck their party's convention? Elizabeth Dole - former presidential candidate, wife of Bob Dole, and current North Carolina Senator up for re-election against Road to 60 candidate Kay Hagen.

Dole's excuse?

"She's got a busy week scheduled in North Carolina," [spokeswoman] Hallaway said. "When there are breaks in the Senate schedule, she spends as much time as possible in North Carolina."

What a dedicated public servant.

Problem is - we still don't have answers from a lot of the Republicans running for Senate - either as challengers or as incumbents.

So MyDD is launching a public service campaign - "Will They Go?"

Below is a list of Republicans in competitive Senate races and whether they've committed to going to their party's convention. We realize it's not an easy decision for a Republican this year: Bush's approval is consistently below freezing, the GOP's brand is in the gutter, and the Republican presidential nominee is...well...John McCain.

But there's a lot for Republicans to be proud of (note: list of things for Republicans to be proud of tk). So we feel it's important for Senate candidates to stand together this year as Republicans - and we should do our part to encourage that Republican solidarity for those on the fence:

• If you find public news articles or announcements about whether one of the candidates will go to the GOP convention, drop the quote or link in the comments.

• If you call one of their campaign offices and politely ask for an answer, email us at willtheygo(at)gmail(dot)com. (Campaign websites are linked below)

We'll update the tally of Senate candidates throughout the week.

Let's get some answers:

On the fence:
• Gordon Smith (inc-OR)
  
• Roger Wicker (inc-MS)
  
• John Sununu (inc-NH)
  
• Pat Roberts (inc-KS)
  
• Jim Inhofe (inc-OK)
  
• Big Bad John Cornyn (inc-TX)
  
• John Kennedy (challenger-LA)
  
• Steve Pearce (challenger-NM)

  Going:

• Norm Coleman
  
• Mitch McConnell
  
• Jim Gilmore

  Not going:

• Ted Stevens
  
• Susan Collins
  
• Bob Schaffer
  
• Elizabeth Dole
  

Will they go?