[Theodore R.]

Do you think the people of IL are capable of absorbing another "Ryan" on the Republican side. "Ryan" is an Irish name, but don't the IL Irish vote 95 percent Democrat? Remember, Jack Reagan, father of a president, was originally a down-the-line Democrat. Or are the Irish now more open to interparty competition.

At any rate, IL (and AK) look like sure Democrat Senate pickups for 2002. That alone would put them back in charge unless some of the southern seats supposedly in play (Carolinas, GA, FL) wind up Republican.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Aside from Daley, I don't think there's a single solitary Irish 'Rat in the IL delegation. This ain't the '60s anymore.

I would disagree on AK being a sure pickup for the 'Rats. Even a flawed Lisa Murkowski will beat Knowles unless she is crippled in the primary or a 3rd party candidate runs. A Knowles victory means giving the anti-Alaskan 'Rats one seat closer to control.

[Impy]

The Chicago Irish vote dem. Irish blood is very common. (I'm 1/8 myself) Outside of the city I'm sure most people of Irish blood don't vote rat.

People of both parties with Irish names tend to do well. There are many GOP state legislators with Irish names.