[paul in cape]

I too dislike Frank (pompous) Rich, but he highlights the Rats' dilema here. Rush also made the point that the Rats have to bend to the wishes of the Holltwood elites for money, which, in turn, alienates whatever blue-collar base they have left.

May I make a bold prediction no one mentioned yet?

If we (pubbies) increase our hold in the House and regain the Senate, the Rats are going to "retire" en masse for 2004. President Bush's coattails floods the House and Senate with fresh blood, and a near insurmountable margin in Congress

Bush has won over the Independants and will appoint conservative judges, keeping his base happy.

IMHO

[summer]

I agree with you.

[rwfromkansas]

I wish I was hopeful like you.

[LS]

Paul, the House is a DONE DEAL. We will gain 8-16 seats.

The only question is the Senate, because we have to "beat the spread"---not only win a higher percentage of contested seats, but also we have to have enough of a margin that Chaffee cannot bolt.

IF we win the Senate by +3 (i.e., and it becomes 52-47-1) then I think there is a strong motivation for Miller and/or Breaux to jump, or at least caucus with the GOP.

[esopman]

"If we (pubbies) increase our hold in the House and regain the Senate, the Rats are going to "retire" en masse for 2004. President Bush's coattails floods the House and Senate with fresh blood, and a near insurmountable margin in Congress"

From your keyboard to God's modem. Blessings on Freepers Everywhere.