HOUSTON -- It's been 14 years since a Harris County Democrat has won a countywide election. In November, Democratic Party voters and volunteers are optimistic that they will be able to defeat Republicans with the help of Sen. Barack Obama.

While much of the nation is focusing on the Democratic National Convention in Denver, locally Democrats are holding victory strategy meetings.

They believe the GOP, which holds every countywide office, will suffer a setback at the ballot box similar to what happened in Dallas County in 2006.

"We've seen what our leadership has done and we're not happy with it, so I think you're going to see that energy not only in Denver but definitely here in Harris County locally," said Bill Kelly with the Harris County Democratic Party.

For longtime party volunteer Karen Kaufman, the amount of enthusiasm and confidence is noticeably higher this election cycle.

She senses the attitude change with every phone call she answers at the party's headquarters and every time she hands out a yard sign to a voter.

"The time has come. It's our time now to be able to promote some of our Democratic ideals with statewide candidates and with our judicial candidates," she said.

The Democratic Party is focusing on winning judicial races and the races for Harris County judge and district attorney.

But while the Democrats smell blood, Harris County Republicans are confident they will hold on to seats this November.

GOP chairman Jared Woodfill SAID what happened in Dallas was a wake-up call, but he notes that the circumstances were different.

Incumbent Gov. Rick Perry was locked in a fierce four-way fight for re-election and won with less than 40 percent of the vote.

In 2008, Republican presidential candidate John McCain is expected to run strong statewide and in Harris County. That could help Republican candidates who are up for re-election.

"The Democrats want to talk about the numbers, but if they go and look and inspect them, they'll see we have a very healthy and comfortable majority for Republicans in Harris County, but we're not taking any vote for granted," Woodfill told KPRC Local 2.