Election Predictions...

It will be much closer than expected. With mixed results. None of us will get exactly what we want. Both sides will claim victory. The Republicans will retain control of at least one branch of Congress, and the other, if it happens at all, will narrowly be won by Democrats.

Ritter will probably win as governor of Colorado, but that will also be a much narrower victory than the polls indicate. Amendment 43, the marriage amendment, will pass and Referendum I, the domestic partnership amendment, will be too close to call at this point. Passage of that depends on exactly how good the last minute turnout is for those supporting it. A large Republican turnout will probably mean it is doomed. Odonnell and Perlmutter in the 7th CD is just too close to call. John Salazar will be re-elected handily to his district. Sadly, the pot initiative will fail.

Undoubtedly, these predictions will not be 100%. I would never bet money on politics. I'm prepared to be disappointed and even if my votes are on the winning side (as I've already voted), I still will not be certain of the future. There is nobody I really like that well on the ballots.

As I've stated before, I look for more balance in the Congress. Then we will have the bickering and partisanship to contend with. However, we did see what happened when Bush got his "mandate"... the "do nothing Congress was formed! It is certainly likely that Democrats will pick up seats. Bush will still be President and we could still have more ineffectiveness. Hank to the politicians: knock it off! Work on issues that affect everybody like health care, immigration and the war in Iraq. Since Bush won't run any more (thank god!), he will have an opportunity to move away from his hard core base and move to the center. I'd like to think that he is a decent man that has just been steered in the wrong direction by his base and those in his cabinet. It is time to move to the center and get some things done for your legacy, Mr. President!