First, to co-opt a line from the Trix cereal commercials: 'Silly Republicans -- beating Van Hollen is for Democrats!'

It may be a while before anyone buys the 'inevitability' argument again, but is there any stopping U.S. Rep. Van Hollen? His Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is poised to pull off a stunt to make him bigger than Rahm Emmanuel: actually gain seats in the wake of a House-shifting cycle.

Much of it can be attributed to the electoral environment, though Van Hollen's leadership has earned its due recognition. His "Frontline" program is a tight ship, spurring candidates to raise millions. He brought the opposition research operation in-house, speeding up rapid response. And they've outgunned the GOP in three red districts -- the most since Watergate.

Point is: Van Hollen knows how to run a massive and effective campaign and will have an army of loyal colleagues and aides. When a statewide office opens up, he'll be the most capable to plow his way to a Democratic primary victory. It'd be surprising if a credible candidate even tried to lock horns with him.

Yet never underestimate the ability of those who overestimate their chances. And when Van Hollen seeks higher office (most likely the Senate), there will surely be someone there challenging him.

What will they have to go on? Little. Perhaps a few votes, or even a few House members who Democratic activists come to (or already do) despise.

And now, add this to pot: the DCCC's (and DSCC's) policy of not banning contributions from lobbyists, counter to the new rules announced by presidential nominee Barack Obama and the Democratic National Committee.

Can you hear the gravelly-voiced announcer? 'While Barack Obama and national Democrats were spurning lobbyist contributions in 2008, Chris Van Hollen embraced their dirty K Street money.'

It ain't much, but it's something.