Thanks for the response!
"1) don't force that behaviour on visitors....they hate it!"
Oh, trust me, I know that. I hate it too, but the client is dead set on it.
"2) use javascript"
The thing is, the client doesn't want all of the blogroll items to open in a new window. Some of the links are internal, and those need to open in the same window. I would like a way to replace the target attr with javascript or a class that I can select with jQuery on a case by case basis, based on what the client selects in Links > Edit.
"3) wait for CSS3 which allows target behaviour"
HA! The client's big on IE6 support. That ain't gonna happen.
"4) switch to transitional"
This was a last minute requirement, and the site's basically done. I would be wary of switching doctypes at this point.
"google xhtml strict target blank to see if you have more options I guess....."
Yeah, I'm going to keep Googling.