[Pubbie]

"In a presidential election, people usually blame or applaud the president for their local economic situation, regardless of whether he has any responsibility for that whatsoever."

It sounds to me like you're economic situation is already worse than the rest of the nation is today.

I think Locke will get the blame because I'm very sure the nation will have decent economic growth for the second half of this year and into 2004 IMO.

[AntiGuv]

It sounds to me like you're economic situation is already worse than the rest of the nation is today.

My personal economic situation is exceptional, and likely to improve even further, because I know how to invest even an economic meltdown...

I think Locke will get the blame because I'm very sure the nation will have decent economic growth for the second half of this year and into 2004 IMO.

That's besides the point, because people are perfectly capable of directing their blame at multiple targets, simultaneously. The difference for Bush will be whether he needs a 54% nationwide victory to take Washington, or a 57% nationwide victory, or a 52% nationwide victory (under a most optimistic scenario). Bush will lose Washington in a "highly competitive" election, I guarantee you...