Political Masochist: The Final Entry

Election Day, 4:30 p.m.
If this was a usual cycle, we might start hearing some exit poll data right about now. But not this year. I’ve already received several emails in my work email account from various groups warning of any sort of trust in exit polls, and I’m pretty sure they didn’t need to bother. I don’t think either side is interested in exit polling after the 2004 debacle. We’re waiting for the real deal.
There’s been the usual report of “voting irregularities” and “high voter turnout” – both seem to headline every Election Day and in the end it doesn’t seem to matter. Weather has been a much-discussed factor, and while my coworkers did not talk me into performing a rain dance like they wanted, it seems that rain continues to be a factor in several important races.
Receiving good reports from down South, where the two possible Republican pickups in the country are being staffed by great people – and outnumber Democrat operatives somewhere in the neighborhood of 5:1. Translation, we have a ground game and they simply don’t.
News is less promising out of Jersey, which isn’t wholly unexpected but disappointing. That darn state is such a tease every cycle and someday we’re going to stop believing its siren song…
My final prediction (on which a lunch bet with my coworkers is based): 219(R)-216(D) split in the House (I’m still an optimist, remember?) and a 51(R)-47(D)-2(I) split in the Senate. But as I have said before and will say again, today is anyone’s game, and only time will tell whose it will be.
At the end of the day, I’m just grateful to be working for a man about whom the following was said in the Augusta Chronicle:

Norwood, first elected in 1994, and Barrett, in 2002, are both working hard to cut taxes, support the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, secure the borders, curb illegal immigration, defend against terrorism, promote traditional values, improve the nation's health-care system and find long-term energy solutions.
And even among Republicans they're fiscally conservative. Tax watchdog and conservative groups have showered both men with awards and citations for their votes to restrain spending and curb budget growth.
The two men are also active in pushing for appropriate local and regional projects, such as the mixed oxide (MOX) project at the Savannah River Site, and trying to get federal help to keep the environmentally valuable Savannah River Ecology Lab open.
Norwood is simply an inspiration when he swings into action. And there isn't a more plain-spoken soul in Congress. His talks at civic clubs and other venues brim with enthusiasm, vigor and truth. The former dentist is not one to mince words. Congress could use a lot more electrifying straight talkers like Norwood.