Nov. 3rd, 2009

Just about one year ago today, Barack Obama won the presidency, the Democrats took even greater control of Congress, and what seemed to be a wave of Democratic fervor was sweeping the nation. Democrats won special congressional elections shortly after to increase their majorities, and Al Franken was eventually declared the winner in the Minnesota Senate race after months of counting and recounting ballots. Tonight, November 3rd, 2009, the popularity of the Democrats will be tested, after bailouts, stimulus bills, and a summer of hemming and hawing on healthcare has seen a resurgent, if more polarizing, Republican party reemerge from their bitter defeats last November.

The major races today are NJ Governor, with Gov. Corzine running for his 2nd term against Republican Chris Christie and an independent candidate, Chris Daggett. In Virginia, Creigh Deeds is running against Republican Bob McDonnell. And in NY-23, Democrat Bill Owens is running against Conservative Doug Hoffman in what could be the most interesting race of hte night. Before the GOP candidate dropped out, it looked like Owens could possibly win with a little over a 3rd of the vote. Now, it's unclear whether undecideds will go towards Owens or Hoffman.

My predictions for the night

Corzine in NJ- just barely.

McDonnell in VA- Deeds has run a pretty awful campaign

Hoffman in NY- showing just how conservative the Republican party has become.