[Brilliant]

I personally don't think it will have a significant effect on the race.

However, if the GOP retains control, then Kerry will be the scapegoat.

[My2Cents]

However, if the GOP retains control, then Kerry will be the scapegoat.

And he can go back to being the unaccomplished junior senator from Massachusetts.

[presidio9]

This will have about as much effect on the race as gay marriage had in 2004. That is to say "none." As usual, American citizens will tell pollsters what they think they want to hear, and then will vote for the candidate who they think is most likely to protect them and their family from being blown up by Muslims. Afterwards, the Democratic party will further weaken itself by making John Kerry a scapegoat, instead of focusing on "why they (the electorate) hate us."

[ClearCase_guy]

I personally don't think it will have a significant effect on the race.

I won't take a position on that. But I will say that 2 weeks ago, the MSM was very confident and couldn't stop crowing about the Democrat takeover that was coming. Now, the MSM is desperately writing stories with reasons why the takeover may not happen.

I want the GOP to gain seats. I don't care about the root causes.

[johnny7]

I personally don't think it will have a significant effect on the race.

Awfully hard to gage this...

[Question Liberal Authority]

I personally don't think it will have a significant effect on the race.

It means all the difference in the world. You have to consider what the "news" coverage WOULD HAVE BEEN the last several days if not for this story. If the Republicans aren't humping little boys like Mark Foley, they're mocking the terminally ill, like Rush Limbaugh. Now, for some odd reason, the topic has been changed to the completely irrelevant "what is the role of the United States Military in a post-911 world?" Though the Dems would want you to believe the topic is simply "Can John Kerry tell a joke properly?"

Also, it puts a face on the anti-Democrat efforts. The Dems use George W. Bush to concentrate their anti-Republican efforts. I've seen more pics of George W Bush being used by the Dems in campaign ads than the actual people who are running. The Republicans have tried to use Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, et al, but most people don't know who they are and plus they've gone into hiding.

Also, this election is going to be ALL about TURNOUT. Plain and simple, the team that gets the most people to the polls wins. If as many people vote against Kerry in 2006 as voted against Kerry in 2004, the Republicans will pick up 50 seats.

[msnimje]

I personally don't think it will have a significant effect on the race.

It sure will. The midterm elections are often won by very few (dozens, hundreds) votes.