[Theodore R.]

This may be a very accurate map projecting the Senate races. I am still unsure if MN will elect a Republican to the Senate though it has done so a few times since the death of St. HHH. I was unsurprised to see the projection that the Democrat will win in AR. Tim Hutchinson's "family values" simply won't sell even in the land of AR Bill. And Ron Kirk may still have a chance in TX despite the lopsided poll (unlike the others) that came out this week showing a huge Cornyn lead. So, it will be a very tough fight to elect a bare Republican majority. What is depressing too is that there are no races at all where an upset is in the making. There used to be an upset in one or two places, but now it's all programmed in advance. Does anyone see a Republican winner that is now unexpected? There are very slim pickings out there. Also I was under the impression that Gordon Smith in liberal OR is very vulnerable.

[patriciaruth]

Does anyone see a Republican winner that is now unexpected?

Jay Wolfe in West Virginia is the darkhorse candidate. He has the same grassroots organization (NRA and pro-life activists) that pulled that state out for Bush in 2000 with very little dough from the national organization.

Their Senator Byrd is voicing continuous opposition to making Iraq accountable and I don't think his message will sit well with these down home folks.

So, I just sent them a thousand bumperstickers to pass out around their State that may generate some patriotic feelings.

[patriciaruth]

Ron Kirk may still have a chance in TX

Former and present First Ladies, Barbara Bush and Laura Bush will be hitting the campaign trail in Texas soon!

Be optimistic about Texas, but don't stop working like a son-of-a-gun!

[ArneFufkin]

I have a very unscientific poll of my Aunt Donna in Iowa Falls, who says "oooh, Harkin's made folks mad here". The dirty political stuff doesn't play there, and Harkin handled it really arrogantly. The guy gives his people big wads of Farm bill cash every year, then votes against every social and fiscal priority they harbor. The cash seems to win, but it's Ganske over Harkin in my upset special.