A frank admission from Nate Daschle, executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, who said during a conference call with liberal bloggers today that Democrats "have to get our messages straight" when it comes to health care reform.

One participant was venting frustration to Daschle, the son of the former Senate Majority Leader and would-be HHS Secretary, that it seemed the White House was sending mixed messages about reform. "You've got Barack Obama saying one thing and Sebelius and Rahm Emanuel saying another. I have to tell you, in people's minds here, the Democrats are not faring well," the blogger said.

She brought it up because she said Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), chair of a subcommittee that voted out health care legislation, was facing tough crowds. It was a shame, she said, since he and Gov. Jon Corzine (D) in her mind spot on in their views.

“You're absolutely right," Daschle said. "As Democrats, we have to get our messages straight. And Gov. Corzine deserves a lot of credit for being one of the most vocal governors on the issues."

He went on to say that Democratic governors could play a critical role in the fight. "This thing doesn't get done without governors being part of the solution. I just don't think we have a chance without governors like Corzine as a leader on the issue," he said.

Read more about the DGA's take on 2009 and 2010 gubernatorial races over at Politics Nation.