[Diddle E. Squat]

IMHO people are putting way to much weight on rain affecting turnout. Ice and heavy snow might do that, but rain is more of just an inconvenience.

[Brices Crossroads]

Huh? Rain always depresses turnout, esecially in Democrat areas and among less committed (ie- Democrat) voters. This is not anyone's opinion. It is a given, as close to an historical fact as you will ever encounter in politics.

[Nataku X]

False. The average Democrat will not stand in line for 30 minutes in 40-degree rain and chills. 80% of democrats in general are a dumb-as-rocks base--they get all their political knowledge and enthusiasm from Oprah.

So, yes, weather will be a major factor. Most people have to get to a polling place during unreasonable hours in order to vote before work, and going out into the dark only to be assaulted by cold winds and rains will cause most Democrats to shrug their shoulders and go back inside for their coffee. (In other words, they care this much: . )

2000 was unusually warm fall if I remember correctly. This year has seemed to be much colder than normal.