"If, by some chance the GOP does break the Democrat lock on the black vote, this election is over."
I agree, that would be an extremely positive development. I don't think anyone is expecting Bush to significantly exceed 20% of that voting group, but anything in the high teens would be a big improvement over 2000.
I live on the west side of Atlanta in a predominantly African-American neighborhood. The polls opened at 7am and when I got there at 6:30, there was already a substantial line. I checked my watch as I left the building and it was 8:15. This is my first time voting in this location, but 2 years ago, I walked right in during the middle of the day and had no wait. Of course, that was an "off year". Even taking that into consideration, it looks to me like turnout here will be very heavy.
Precinct 31M in West Sunrise. Got caught in the morning rush before work. Probably a mostly Kerry crowd, but I suspect a lot of W folk in there. Easy in and out. Only had to wait 40 minutes. No problems.
I voted straight Republican, my wife voted straight Democrat.
But we love each other.
Be Seeing You,
Chris