Here’s a rundown of how I think the RI races will go:

Governor: Incumbent GOP Governor Donald Carcieri is term-limited. The GOP has unified behind former Gubernatorial Aide John Robitaille. On the Democratic side, General Treasurer Frank Caprio and Attorney General Patrick Lynch are in the running. The Cool Mooses have unified behind Attorney Bob Healey Jr. On the Independent side, former US Senator Lincoln Chaffee and General Contractor Todd Giroux are in the running. I expect Caprio to defeat Lynch 52-48, and lose to Chaffee 41-37, with Robitallie receiving 22%. INDY GAIN.

Lieutenant Governor: Incumbent Democratic Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Roberts. The GOP has no announced or potential candidates. DEM HOLD.

Secretary of State: Incumbent Democratic Secretary of State Ralph Mollis is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Mollis. The GOP has no announced or potential candidates. DEM HOLD.

Attorney General: Incumbent Democratic Attorney General Patrick Lynch is running fcr Governor. On the Democratic side, Smithfield City Councilman Steve Archambault, Providence City Solicitor Joe Fernandez, and State House Majority Whip Peter Kilmartin. The GOP has unified behind former Special Assistant Attorney General Erik Wallin. I expect Kilmartin to prevail big time, and defeat Wallin 59-41. DEM HOLD.

General Treasurer: Incumbent Democratic General Treasurer Frank Caprio is running for Governor. The Democrats have unified behind Software Engineer Tom Sgouros. The GOP has no announced or potential candidates. DEM HOLD.

RI-01: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Patrick Kennedy is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Kennedy. The GOP has unified behind State House Minority Whip John Loughlin. In this climate I expect Loughlin to narrowly prevail by about 491 votes. GOP GAIN.

RI-02: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Jim Langevin is running for re-election. On the Democratic side, Langevin and former State Representative Betsy Dennigan are in the running. On the GOP side, Attorney Michael Gardiner and former North Kingston Town Councilman Mark Zaccaria are in the running. I expect Langevin to thump Dennigan 60-40 and Zaccaria to defeat Gardiner 67-33. I expect Langevin to take Zaccaria out to pasture 64-36. DEM HOLD.

Here’s an early take on the 2011 Gubernatorial races:

Mississippi: Incumbent GOP Governor Haley Barbour is term-limited. Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant is the only announced GOP candidate. Potential candidates for the Republicans are Commercial Building Contractor Dave Dennis, former Lieutenant Governor Amy Tuck, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann Jr., State Auditor Stacey Pickering, State Treasurer Tate Reeves, State Agriculture & Commerce Commissioner Lester Spell Jr., State Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, former Congressman Chip Pickering, Senator Roger Wicker, and Congressman Gregg Harper. Potential candidates for the Democrats are Attorney’s John Arthur Eaves and Bill Luckett, Attorney General Jim Hood, former Attorney General Mike Moore, State Representative Steve Holland, and Congressmen Travis Childers, Bennie Thompson, and Gene Taylor. Considering the quality of the candidates on both sides and the political climate in 2011, I rate this one LEANS REPUBLICAN.

Kentucky: Incumbent Democratic Governor Steve Beshear is running for re-election, and has chosen Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson as his running mate. Demolition Contractor Otis “Bullman” Hensley Jr. has announced his challenge to Beshear in the Democratic Primary. Potential candidates for the Republicans are Congressmen Ed Whitfield, S. Brett Guthrie, and Geoff Davis, Secretary of State Trey Grayson(if he fails at his Senate run), Physician Rand Paul(if he fails at his Senate run), former State Superintendent of Public Instruction John Stephenson, and State Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer. TOSSUP.

Louisiana: Incumbent GOP Governor Bobby Jindal is running for re-election. Minister Dennis “Dan” Northcutt has announced his challenge to Jindal in the Republican Primaries. Potential candidates for the Democrats are Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landireu(if he fails in his bid for New Orleans Mayor), State Senator Eric LaFleur, former Congressman Don Cazayoux, State Representatives Damon Baldone, Fred Mills, Gary Smith, Mike Powell, and Michael Jackson, Attorney General James “Buddy” Caldwell, former Attorneys General Richard Ieyoub and Charles C. Foti Jr., former State Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Bob Odom, State Natural Resources Secretary Scott Angelle, Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeffrey Wiley, Congressman Charlie Melancon(if he fails at his Senate bid), former Governor Kathleen Blanco, former PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell, and State Senator Walter Boasso. LIKELY REPUBLICAN.

Here’s an early take on the 2012 Gubernatorial races:

Unknown Incumbents: NH, UT, and VT.

Montana: Incumbent Democratic Governor Brian Schweitzer is term limited. Potential candidates for the Democrats include Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger, Secretary of State Linda McCullough, Attorney General Steve Bullock, State Auditor Monica Lindeen, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, Senator Jon Tester, and State Democratic Party Chairman Dennis McDonald. Potential candidates for the GOP are Congressman Dennis Rehberg, former State Senator Roy Brown, former Secretary of State Brad Johnson, and former State Representative Duane Grimes. Considering the quality of the potential candidates, I rate this LEANS DEMOCRAT.

West Virginia: Incumbent Democratic Governor Joe Manchin is term limited. Candidates for the Democrats include state Senators Jeffrey V. Kessler and Walt Helmick. Other potential candidates include State Treasurer John Perdue, Lieutenant Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, State Senator Robert Plymale, State House Speaker Richard Thompson, State Auditor Glen Gainer, State Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass, Attorney General Darrell McGraw, Congressman Nick Rahall, and state Secretary of State Natalie Tennant. Potential candidates for the Republicans include former State Secretary of State Betty Ireland, State Senate Minority Leader Dan Caruth, State Senate Minority Whip Clark S. Barnes, State House Minority Leader Tim Armstead, State House Minority Whip Larry Border, Assistant Minority Whips Troy Andes, Ray Canterbury, and Lynwood “Woody” Ireland, and Representative Shelley Moore Capito. Considering the quality of the potential candidates, I rate this LEANS DEMOCRAT.

Indiana: Incumbent GOP Governor Mitch Daniels is term-limited. Potential candidates for the Republicans include Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, Secretary of State Todd Rokita, Attorney General Greg Zoeller, former Attorney General Steve Carter, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett, State Treasurer Richard Murdock, State Auditor Tim Berry, Congressmen Mark Souder and Mike Pence, former Congressman and Club for Growth President Chris Chocola, and Conservative Activist Eric Miller. Potential candidates for the Democrats are Businessman Jim Schellinger, former Representative Jill Long Thompson, Mayor of Evansville Jonathan Weinzapfel, Mayor of Hammond Thomas McDermott Jr., Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez, and Congressmen Baron Hill, Brad Ellsworth, Andre Carson, Peter Visclosky, and Joe Donnelly. Considering the quality of the potential candidates, I rate this LIKELY REPUBLICAN.

Delaware: Incumbent Democratic Governor Jack Markell is probably running for re-election. Potential candidates for the Republicans are former Deputy Attorney General Ferris Wharton, State Auditor Tom Wagner, former US Attorney Colm Connolly, former State Senator Charlie Copeland, Drugstore Chain CEO Alan Levin, Wilmington Trust President Robert Harra, State Representatives Debbie Hudson and Tom Kovach. SAFE DEMOCRAT.

Missouri: Incumbent Democratic Governor Jay Nixon is probably running for re-election. Potential candidates for the Republicans are Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, Congressmen Todd Akin, Sam Graves, and Blaine Luetkemeyer, and Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson. LIKELY DEMOCRAT.

North Carolina: Incumbent Democratic Governor Beverly Perdue is probably running for re-election. Potential Democratic opponents to Perdue’s renomination are Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, Attorney General Roy Cooper, State Auditor Beth Wood, State Treasurer Janet Cowell, Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson, State Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, and Congressmen GK Butterfield, Bob Etheridge, David Price, Mike McIntyre, Larry Kissell, Heath Schuler, Mel Watt, and Brad Miller. Potential candidates for the Republicans include former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, former Raleigh Mayor Paul Colbe, President of High Point University Nido Qubein, State Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger, Congressmen Walter Jones Jr. and Patrick McHenry, and Congresswoman Sue Myrick. LEAN REPUBLICAN.

Washington: Incumbent Democratic Governor Christine Gregoire is probably running for re-election. Potential Democratic opponents include Congressmen Jay Inslee, Rick Larsen, Norm Dicks, Jim McDermott, and Adam Smith, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, State Treasurer Jim McIntire, State Auditor Brian Sonntag, State Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, and Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. Potential candidates for the Republicans include Secretary of State Sam Reed, Attorney General Rob McKenna, former State Senator Dino Rossi, Congressmen Doc Hastings and Dave Reichert, and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rogers. TOSSUP.

North Dakota: Incumbent Republican Governor John Hoeven is poised to succeed Byron Dorgan as US Senator from North Dakota, meaning Lieutenant Governor Jack Darymphle will be the Governor in 2012. Potential candidates for the Democrats are Congressman Earl Pomeroy, former Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, State School Superintendent Wayne G. Sanstead, former Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp, former State Senator Joel Heitkamp, and State Senator Tim Mathern. LIKELY REPUBLICAN.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the KS races will go:

Governor: Incumbent Democratic Governor Mark Parkinson is retiring. The Democrats have unified behind Disabled Paramedic Herb West III. The GOP has unified behind US Senator Sam Brownback. I expect Brownback to roll West 72-28. GOP GAIN.

Secretary of State: Incumbent GOP Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh is retiring. On the GOP side, former Business Lobbyist JR Claceys and former State GOP Chairman Kris Kobach are in the running. On the Democratic side, former State Securities Commissioner Chris Biggs and State Senator Chris Steineger are in the running. I expect Kobach to prevail over Claeys 58-42. I also expect Biggs to defeat Steineger 56-44. I expect Kobach to prevail over Biggs 55-45. GOP HOLD.

Attorney General: Incumbent Democratic Attorney General Stephen N. Six is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Six. On the GOP side, former Assistant Attorney General Ralph DeZago and State Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt are in the running. I expect Schmidt to defeat DeZago 54-46 and upend Six 53-47. GOP GAIN.

State Treasurer: Incumbent Democratic State Treasurer Dennis McKinney is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind McKinney. The GOP has no announced or potential candidates. DEM HOLD.

State Insurance Commissioner: Incumbent GOP State Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger is running for re-election. On the GOP side, Praeger and Insurance Agent David Powell are in the running. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. Praeger will defeat Powell 68-32. GOP HOLD.

US Senate: Incumbent GOP US Senator Sam Brownback is running for Governor. On the GOP side, Congressmen Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt are in the running. On the Democratic side, Retired Communications Executive Charles Schollenberger and Attorney Stanley Wiles are in the running. I expect Moran to defeat Tiahrt 53-47 and Schollenberger to defeat Wiles 59-41. I expect Moran to crush Schollenberger 65-35. GOP HOLD.

KS-01: Incumbent GOP Congressman Jerry Moran is running for US Senate. On the GOP side, State Senators Jim Barnett and Tim Huelskamp, College Instructor Sue Boldra, Attorney Marck Cobb, Commercial Realtor Tracey Mann, former Salina Mayor Monte Shadwick, and former Chief of Staff to US Senator Sam Brownback Rob Wasinger are in the running. The Democrats have unified behind former Salina Mayor Alan Jilka. I expect Huelskamp to emerge from his Primary and defeat Jilka 62-38. GOP HOLD.

KS-02: Incumbent GOP Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins is running for re-election. On the GOP side, Jenkins and State Senator Dennis Pyle are in the running. On the Democratic side, there are no announced candidates, but State Senator Tom Holland is considering the race. I expect Jenkins to defeat Pyle 54-46 and either run unopposed or defeat Holland if he runs. GOP HOLD.

KS-03: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Dennis Moore is retiring. The Democrats have no announced candidates, but potential candidates include State House Minority Leader Paul Davis, Governor Mark Parkinson, Kansas City Mayor Joe Reardon, and State Senator and current Secretary of State candidate Chris Steineger. On the GOP side, former State Senators Mark Gilstrap and Nick Jordan, Iraq War Veteran Daniel Gilyeat, former State Representative Patricia Lightner, Businessman John Rysavy, Database Consultant Thomas Scherer, and State Representative Kevin Yoder. The GOP frontrunners are Jordan and Yoder. Whichever one makes it out of the Primary has the edge. GOP GAIN.

KS-04: Incumbent GOP Congressman Todd Tiahrt is running for US Senate. On the GOP side, Printing Company Owner Jim Anderson, Oil Company CEO Wink Hartman, State Senator Dick Kelsey, Manufacturing Executive Mike Pompeo, and State Senator Jean Schodorf are in the running. On the Democratic side, State Representative Raj Goyle and Retiree Robert Tillman are in the running. The Independents have unified behind Nurse Susan Ducey. I expect Kelsey and Goyle to emerge from their Primaries. Kelsey will defeat Goyle 56-44. GOP HOLD.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the WY races will go:

Governor: Incumbent Democratic Governor Dave Freudenthal is currently challenging the term-limit laws in the state. If he succeeds, the Democrats will unify behind Freudenthal. If he fails, potential candidates include Attorney, former State Pipeline Authority Chair, and son of former Governor JJ Hickey Paul Hickey and State Senate Minority Leader Mike Massie. On the GOP side, former US Attorney Matt Mead, State Auditor Rita Meyer, former State Agriculture Director and former State House Speaker Pro Tempore Ron Micheli, and State House Speaker Colin Simpson are in the running. The GOP Primary is a Tossup. If Freudenthal runs again, the race is a TOSSUP. If Freudenthal declines, GOP GAIN.

Secretary of State: Incumbent GOP Secretary of State Max Maxfield is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Maxfield. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

State Auditor: Incumbent GOP State Auditor Rita Meyer is running for Governor. There are no announced or potential candidates on both sides. TBD

State Treasurer: Incumbent GOP State Treasurer Joe Meyer is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Meyer. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction: Incumbent GOP State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jim McBride is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind McBride. The Democrats have no announced candidates, but State Senate Minority Leader Mike Massie is a potential candidate. Whether or not the Democrats run anybody, GOP HOLD.

WY-AL: Incumbent GOP Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Lummis. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the KY races will go:

US Senate: Incumbent GOP Senator Jim Bunning is retiring. On the GOP side, Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Business Executive Bill Johnson, World War II Veteran Gurley Martin, Physician Rand Paul, Jon Scribner, and former State Superintendent of Public Instruction John Stephenson are in the running. On the Democratic side, Physician James Buckmaster, Attorney General Jack Conway, Lieutenant Governor Dan Mongiardo, former US Customs Agent Darlene Price, and Farmer Maurice Sweeney are in the running. The Independents have unified behind Convenience Store Operator John Long. I expect Paul and Conway to emerge from their Primaries. I expect Paul to defeat Conway 52-48. GOP HOLD.

KY-01: Incumbent GOP Congressman Ed Whitfield is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Whitfield. The Democrats have unified Auctioneer Charles Hatchett. I expect Whitfield to bury Hatchett 72-28. GOP HOLD.

KY-02: Incumbent GOP Congressman S. Brett Guthrie is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Guthrie. The Democrats have unified behind Home Builder Ed Marksberry. I expect Guthrie to crush Marksberry 70-30. GOP HOLD.

KY-03: Incumbent Democratic Congressman John Yarmuth is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Yarmuth. On the GOP side, Electric Power Plant Worker W. Jerry Durbin, Commercial Real Estate Broker Larry Hausman, Commercial Pilot Todd Lally, Restaurant Franchise Owner Jeff Reetz, and Financial Consultant Brooks Wicker are in the running. I expect Reetz to emerge from the Primary. I expect Yarmuth to prevail 54-46. DEM HOLD.

KY-04: Incumbent GOP Congressman Geoff Davis is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Davis. The Democrats have unified behind Disabled Iraq/Afghan War Veteran & Non-Profit Group Executive John Waltz. I expect Davis to prevail 69-31. GOP HOLD.

KY-05: Incumbent GOP Congressman Hal Rogers is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Rogers. On the Democratic side, Helicopter Pilot Jim Holbert, Teacher David Holbert, and Attorney Ken Stepp are in the running. I have no idea who will be the Dem nominee, but does it matter? Rogers will crush them like their Third Parties. GOP HOLD.

KY-06: Incumbent Democratic Congressman AB Chandler is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Chandler. On the GOP side, Businessman Perry Barnes, Attorney Andy Barr, John Kemper III, Funeral Director Matt Lockett, George Pendergrass, and retired Businessman Mike Templeman are in the running. I expect Barr to get the nomination, but lose to Chandler 56-44. DEM HOLD.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the CT races will go:

Governor: Incumbent GOP Governor Jodi Rell is retiring. On the GOP side, former Congressman Larry DeNardis, Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele, and former US Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley are in the running. On the Democratic side, former State House Speaker Jim Amann, former State Representative Juan Figueroa, Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman, Businessman Ned Lamont, State Senator Gary LeBeau, Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, and Rigefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi are in the running. I expect Fedele and Lamont to emerge from their Primaries. I expect Fedele to pick Foley as his running mate and Lamont to pick Amann as his running mate. I expect Lamont/Amann to prevail over Fedele/Foley 52-48. DEM GAIN.

Secretary of State: Incumbent Democratic Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz is running for Attorney General. On the Democratic side, New Haven Alderman Gerry Garcia, Jonathan Harris, State House Majority Leader Denise Merrill, and State Representatives Kevin Roldan and James Spallone are in the running. On the GOP side, former Cheshire Town Registrar of Voters Richard Abbate and Attorney Corey Brinson are in the running. I expect Merrill to emerge from her Primary. I expect Abbate to defeat Brinson 64-36. Merrill will defeat Abbate 60-40. DEM HOLD.

Attorney General: Incumbent Democratic Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is running for the US Senate. On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz and former State Senate Majority Leader George Jepsen are in the running. There are no announced candidates on the GOP side, but potential candidates are State Representatives Bill Hamzy, Themis Klarides, and Arthur O’Neill, Attorney John Pavia, and State Senator Andrew Roraback. I expect Bysiewicz to pummel Jepsen 67-33 and defeat whoever the GOP nominates. DEM HOLD.

State Treasurer: Incumbent Democratic State Treasurer Denise Nappier is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Nappier. The GOP has no announced or potential candidates. DEM HOLD.

State Comptroller: Incumbent Democratic State Comptroller Nancy Wyman is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Wyman. The GOP has no announced or potential candidates. DEM HOLD.

US Senate: Incumbent US Senator Chris Dodd is retiring. On the Democratic side, Software Executive Merrick Alpert, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and former Greenwich First Selectman Roger Pearson are in the running. On the GOP side, former Worl Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon, former Congressman Rob Simmons, and Euro Pacific Capital President Peter Shiff are in the running. I expect Blumenthal to crush his Primary opposition easily, 80-14-6 over Alpert and Pearson. I also expect Simmons to bodyslam McMahon 49-38. Blumenthal will crush Simmons 69-31. DEM HOLD.

US Congress: Democrats will retain Districts 1 and 3.

CT-02: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Joe Courtney is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Courtney. On the GOP side, Hebron Board of Finance Member Matthew Daly and Homeland Security Consultant Daria Novak are in the running. The Green Party has unified behind Montville School Board Chair G. Scott Deshefy. The Libertarians have unified behind Writer Dan Reale. I expect Daly to emerge from his Primary 71-29 and lose to Courtney 56-41. DEM HOLD.

CT-04: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Jim Himes is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Himes. On the GOP side, State Senator Dan Debicella, Non-Profit Group Executive Director Will Gregory, Businessmen Rob Merkle and Rick Torres, and former State Senator Rob Russo are in the running., I expect Debicella to prevail 50-42-5-2-1 over Gregory, Russo, Merkle, and Torres, and upend Himes 51-49. GOP GAIN.

CT-05: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Chris Murphy is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Murphy. On the GOP side, former Non-Profit Group Executive Director Justin Bernier, State Senator Sam Calguri, Health Care Executive Dan Carter, Businessmen Bill Evans and Mark Greenberg, and Attorney Kie Westby. I expect Calguri to prevail over Bernier 55-39 and upend Murphy 53-47. GOP GAIN.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the ME races will go:

Governor: Incumbent Democratic Governor John Baldacci is term-limited. On the Democratic side, former Biddeford Mayor Donna Dion, State Senate President Libby Mitchell, former Attorney General Steve Rowe, former State Conservation Commissioner Pat McGowan, State Economic/Community Development Commissioner John Richardson, Affordable Housing Company CEO Rosa Scarcelli, and former State Representative Peter Truman are in the running. On the GOP side, Attorney Steve Abbott, former Husson University President Bill Beardsley, Businessman Matt Jacobson, Waterville Mayor Paul LePage, State Senator Peter Mills, Energy Executive Les Otten, Real Estate Developer Bruce Poliquin, and Electrician Marty Vachon are in the running. The Green Party has unified behind former Green Party Chairwoman Lynne Williams. On the Independent side, Investment Adviser Sam Bailey, Christopher Cambron, Curriculum Specialist Beverly Cooper-Pete, Attorney Eliot Cutler, Welder Augustus Edgerton, Businessman Alex Hammer, and Sidney Town Selectman John Whitcomb are in the running. I expect Rowe and Mills to emerge from their respective Primaries. In this climate, I expect Mills to prevail over Rowe 45-39. GOP GAIN.

ME-01: Incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Pingree. The GOP has unified behind Businessman Dean Scontras. Given the current political climate and the fact that Pingree defeated her GOP opponent 54-45 in 2008, this race could become competative, but for now, DEM HOLD.

ME-02: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Michael Michaud is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Michaud. The GOP has unified behind Businessman Jason Levesque. Michaud will bodyslam Levesque 59-41. DEM HOLD.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the WV races will go:

WV-01: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Alan Mollohan is running for re-election. On the Democratic side, Mollohan and Steel Worker RJ Smith are in the running. On the GOP side, Realtor Cindy Hall, GOP Activist Patricia Van Gilder Levenson, former State GOP Chair David McKinley, Coal Mine Contracting Company Executive R. Scott Smith, Custom Furniture Maker Tom Stark, Financial Executive Daniel Swisher, and Attorney Mac Warner are in the running. I expect McKinley to prevail in the Primary with 55% and Mollohan in his Primary 89-11. In this climate, I think McKinley will defeat Mollohan 52-48. GOP GAIN.

WV-02: Incumbent GOP Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Capito. On the Democratic side, Elementary School Principal Virginia Lynch Graf and David Harless are in the running. The Constitution Party has unified behind Teacher Phil Hudok. I expect Graf to prevail in the Primary 87-13 and lost to Capito 63-37. GOP HOLD.

WV-03: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Nick Rahall is running for re-election. On the Democratic side, Rahall and State Delegate Ralph Rodighiero are in the running. On the GOP side, Nurse Anesthetist Lee Bias, Sign Company Sales Executive Marty Gearhart, and Attorney Conrad Lucas are in the running. The Democratic Primary is a tossup. I expect Lucas to prevail over Gearhart and Bias 54-41-5. Whoever the Democrats nominate will defeat Lucas, 57-43 Rahall or 59-41 Rodighiero. DEM HOLD.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the UT races will go:

Governor: Incumbent GOP Governor Gary Herbert is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Herbert. The Democrats have unified behind Salt Lake City Mayor Peter Corroon. Herbert will defeat Corroon 61-39. GOP HOLD.

Lieutenant Governor: Incumbent GOP Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Ball. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

US Senator: Incumbent GOP US Senator Bob Bennett is running for re-election. On the GOP side, Bennett, Business Consultant Tim Bridgewater, Businesswoman and Conservative Activist Cherilyn Eager, Attorney Mike Lee, and Businessman James Williams are in the running. The Democrats have unified behind State Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner Sam Granato. I expect Eager to teabag Bennett to death at the convention. Eager will defeat Granato 62-38. GOP HOLD.

UT-01: Incumbent GOP Congressman Rob Bishop is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Bishop. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

UT-02: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Jim Matheson is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Matheson. On the GOP side, PHD Candidate Casey Anderson and former State Representative and State GOP Vice Chair Morgan Philpot are in the running. On the Independent side, Businessman Dave Glissmeyer and Medical Technologist Ryan Kelly are in the running. I expect Philpot to emerge from the Primary. Philpot will defeat Matheson 52-48. GOP GAIN.

UT-03: Incumbent GOP Congressman Jason Chaffetz is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Chaffetz. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the NH races will go:

Governor: Incumbent Democratic Governor John Lynch is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Lynch. On the GOP side, Businessman Jack Kimball and Religious Right Activist and Author Karen Testerman are in the running. I expect Kimball to prevail 63-37 and lose by a lesser than expected margin(59-41) to Lynch. DEM HOLD.

US Senate: Incumbent GOP US Senator Judd Gregg is retiring. On the GOP side, former State Representative Tom Alciere, former Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, Businessmen Jim Bender and Bill Binnie, and former State Board of Education Chair Ovide LaMontage are in the running. The Democrats have unified behind US Representative Paul Hodes. The Libertarians have unified behind Realtor Ken Blevens. I expect LaMontage to teabag Ayotte to death in the Primary and defeat Hodes 51-47. GOP HOLD.

NH-01: Incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Shea-Porter. On the GOP side, Defense Contractor Rich Ashooh, Businessman and Economist Peter Bearce, International Banking Executive Bob Bestani, Cook Mike Castaldo, Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta, and Kevin Rondeau are in the running. I expect Guinta to handily defeat the rest of the field and prevail over Shea-Porter 53-47. GOP GAIN.

NH-02: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Paul Hodes is running for US Senate. On the Democratic side, State Representative John DeJoie, Attorney Ann McLane Kuster, and Political Consultant Katrina Swett are in the running. On the GOP side, former Congressman Charlie Bass, former State Representative Bob Giuda, Bristol Town Budget Committee Chairman Andrew Hemingway, Radio Talk Show Host Jennifer Horn, and Milford School Board Member Len Mannino are in the running. The Libertarians have unified behind Howie Wilson. I expect DeJoie and Bass to emerge from their Primaries. I predict Bass over DeJoie 50-48. GOP GAIN.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the VT races will go:

Governor: Incumbent GOP Governor Jim Douglas is retiring. The GOP has unified behind Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie. On the Democratic side, State Senators Susan Bartlett, Mat Dunne, Doug Racine, and Peter Schumlin and Secretary of State Deb Markowitz are in the running. The Second VT Republic Party has unified behind Dennis Steele. The Independents have unified behind Cris Ericson. I expect Markewitz to handily defeat all the opposition. In this climate, I expect Dubie to narrowly prevail 52-48. GOP HOLD.

Lieutenant Governor: Incumbent GOP Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie is running for Governor. On the GOP side, State Senator Phil Scott and Businessman Mark Snelling are in the running. On the Democratic side, there are no announced candidates, but potential candidates include State Representatives Tom Costello, Steve Howard, and David Zuckerman, State Senator Virginia Lyons, and former Non Profit Group Executive Director Tim Palmer. Scott will win 58-42, and lose to whoever the Democrats nominate. DEM PICKUP.

State Treasurer: Incumbent Democratic State Treasurer Jeb Spaulding is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Spaulding. The GOP has no announced or potential candidates. DEM HOLD.

Secretary of State: Incumbent Democratic Secretary of State Deb Markowitz is running for Governor. The Democrats have unified behind Attorney and Middlesex Zoning Board Chair Charlie Merriman. The GOP has unified behind Attorney and Williston Selectman Chris Roy. Merriman will defeat Roy 61-39. DEM HOLD

State Auditor of Accounts: Incumbent GOP State Auditor of Accounts Tom Salmon Jr. is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Salmon Jr. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

Attorney General: Incumbent Democratic Attorney General Bill Sorrell is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Sorrell. The GOP has no announced or potential candidates. DEM HOLD.

US Senate: Incumbent Democratic US Senator Pat Leahy is running for re-election. On the Democratic side, Leahy and Physician Daniel Freilich are in the running. The GOP has unified behind Lumber Store Owner Len Britton. On the Independent side, Cris Ericson and John LaPierre Jr. are in the running. I expect Leahy to trounce Freilich in the Primary and Britton, Ericson, and LaPierre Jr. in the General. DEM HOLD.

VT-AL: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Peter Welch is running for re-election. On the Democratic side, Welch and Teacher Dan Weintraub are in the running. The GOP has no announced or potential candidates. DEM HOLD.

Moderator’s note. This diary is, prior to my truncating the quoted text, was a massive violation of Fair Use. There is also no link provided to the original article which is just bad manners. Don’t do this again or your account will be terminated.

This diary is closed.

–streiff

If true, this will confirm what I’ve been thinking for a year. Via Infowars:

An Obama executive order that creates a council of state governors who will work with the feds to expand military involvement in domestic security, together with PDD 51, a Bush era executive order that gives the President dictatorial power in times of national emergency, eliminate the last roadblocks to declaring martial law in the United States.

The new order, which is entitled Establishment of the Council of Governors (PDF), creates a body of ten state governors directly appointed by Obama who will work with the federal government to help advance the “synchronization and integration of State and Federal military activities in the United States”.

[snip}

This is by far the scariest story I’ve ever seen and as I stated above, I’ve seen coming for a year. Many people have and still do dismiss me as crazy, but I now firmly believe that Obama will declare Martial Law, abolish elections, and arrest people in the name of national security, saving the economy, etc. However, I don’t think he will go the way of Hitler or Stalin, though. The people are what keep the Government alive, so don’t expect Obama to do what the names above did. Your thoughts.

Link: http://www.infowars.com/pdd-51-new-executive-order-give-obama-dictator-power/

Here’s a rundown of how I think the ND races will go:

Secretary of State: Incumbent GOP Secretary of State Alvin Jaeger is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Jaeger. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

Attorney General: Incumbent GOP Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Stenehjem. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

State Agriculture Commissioner: Incumbent Democratic State Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Johnson. The GOP has no announced or potential candidates. DEM HOLD.

State Tax Commissioner: Incumbent State Tax Commissioner Cory Fong is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Fong. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

US Senate: Incumbent Democratic US Senator Byron Dorgan is retiring. On the GOP side, Governor John Hoeven and Retired Navy Officer and Businessman Duane Sand are in the running. The Democrats side has no announced candidates to date, but potential candidates include Manufacturing Executive Kristin Hedger and former State Attorney General and former State Tax Commissioner Heidi Heitkamp. I expect Hoeven to pound Sand 87-13 and defeat whoever the Democrats nominate. GOP PICKUP.

ND-AL: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Earl Pomeroy is running for re-election. The Democrats have unified behind Pomeroy. On the GOP side, State PSC Commissioner Kevin Cramer and former University of Mary Football Coach Paul Schaffner are in the running. I expect Cramer to beat Schaffner 71-29 and defeat Pomeroy 53-47. GOP HOLD.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the SC races will go:

Governor: Scandal mired incumbent GOP Governor Mark Sanford is term-limited, setting up a free-for-all on both sides. On the GOP side, Congressman Gresham Barrett, Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer, State Senator Larry Grooms, State Representative Nikki Haley, and Attorney General Henry McMaster are in the running. On the Democratic side, Attorneys Dwight Drake and Mullins McLeod, Minister Amos Elliot, State Senators Robert Ford and Vincent Sheheen, and State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex are in the running. Independents have unified behind Construction Company CEO Morgan Bruce Reeves. I expect McMaster to win the GOP Primary, and Rex to win the Democratic Primary. McMaster will win 55-45. GOP HOLD.

Lieutenant Governor: Incumbent GOP Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer is running for Governor. On the GOP side, Florence County Councilman Ken Ard, Attorney Bill Connor, and State Representative Tim Scott are in the running. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. I expect Scott to win the Primary and win the General with no opposition. GOP HOLD.

Secretary of State: Incumbent GOP Secretary of State Mark Hammond is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Hammond. The Democrats have unified behind retired Civil Servant Marjorie Johnson. Hammond will crush Johnson 63-37. GOP HOLD.

State Treasurer: Incumbent GOP State Treasurer Converse Chellis is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Chellis. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

Attorney General: Incumbent GOP Attorney General Henry McMaster is running for Governor. On the GOP side, former Chief Deputy Attorney General Robert Bolchoz, Attorney Leighton Lord, and former Assistant Attorney General Alan Wilson are in the running. The Democrats have unified behind First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe. The frontrunners on the GOP side are Bolchoz and Wilson. Either will defeat Pascoe big time. GOP HOLD.

Comptroller General: Incumbent GOP Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Eckstrom. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

State Superintendent of Education: Incumbent Democratic State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex is running for Governor. On the GOP side, Construction Contractor Elizabeth Moffly, College Professor Brent Nelsen, Teacher Kelly Payne, and Newberry College President Mick Zais are in the running. The Democrats have unified behind former US Deputy Education Secretary Frank Holleman. The Libertarians have unified behind Teacher Tim Moultrie. I expect Zais to win the GOP Primary. Holleman will win 53-46 over Zais. DEM HOLD.

Adjutant General: Incumbent GOP Adjutant General Stan Spears is running for re-election. On the GOP side, Spears, Author Dean Allen and Businessman Brian Frank are in the running. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. Spears will win handily over Allen and Frank and will win with no opposition. GOP HOLD.

State Agriculture Commissioner: Incumbent GOP State Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Weathers. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

US Senate: Incumbent GOP US Senator Jim DeMint is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind DeMint. On the Democratic side, Attorney Chad McGowan and retired Auto Company Executive Mike Ruckes are in the running. Ruckes will defeat McGowan 57-43 and lose to DeMint 67-33. GOP HOLD.

US Congress: The Democrats easily retain SC-06.

SC-01: Incumbent GOP Congressman Henry Brown is retiring. On the GOP side, Isle of Palms City Councilman Ryan Buckhannon, former State Ports Authority Board Member Carroll Campbell III, former Mount Pleasant Town Councilman Mark Fava, and former Congressional Aide Katherine Jenerette are in the running. On the Democratic side, former Housing Authority Commissioner Robert Burton, former County Supervisor Robert Dobbs, and retired Businessman Dick Withington are in the running. I expect Campbell III and Burton to emerge from their respective Primaries. Campbell III will win 55-45 over Burton. GOP HOLD.

SC-02: Incumbent GOP Congressman AG Wilson is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Wilson. The Democrats have unified behind Iraq War Veteran Rob Miller. Wilson defeats Miller 56-44. GOP HOLD.

SC-03: Incumbent GOP Congressman J. Gresham Barrett is running for Governor. On the GOP side, Evangelical Pastor Richard Cash, Attorneys Neal Collins and James Galyean, State Representatives Jeff Duncan and Rex Rice, and Physician Mike Vasovski are in the running. On the Democratic side, Paramedic Brian Doyle and FedEx Pilot Jane Dyer are in the running. The GOP frontrunners are Duncan and Rice. Dyer will defeat Doyle, and the GOP nominee will crush Dyer. GOP HOLD.

SC-04: Incumbent GOP Congressman Bob Inglis is running for re-election. On the GOP side, Spartanburg County Solicitor Trey Gowdy, College Professor Christina Jeffrey, IT Consultant Jim Lee, Businessman Rick Mahler, and State Senator Dave Thomas are in the running. The Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. The Libertarians have unified behind Steven Edwards. On the Independent side, Computer Database Administrator Tim Carnes and Stock Market Investor Ted Christian are in the running. I expect Thomas to emerge and win the GE. GOP HOLD.

SC-05: Incumbent Democratic Congressman John Spratt is running for re-election. On the GOP side, State Senator Mick Mulvaney and College Professor Albert Spencer are in the running. The Democrats have unified behind Spratt. I expect Mulvaney to win the Primary. In this political climate, I see Mulvaney defeating Spratt 53-47. GOP PICKUP.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the AL Races will go:

Governor: Incumbent GOP Governor Bob Riley is term-limited, thus setting up a free-for-all on both sides. On the GOP side, State Representative Robert Bentley, former State Community College System Chancellor Bradley Byrne, State Treasurer Kay Ivey, Real Estate Developer Tim James, former State Economic Development Director Bill Johnson, former State Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, and Financial Analyst James Potts are in the running. On the Democratic side, Congressman Artur Davis, State Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks, and Inventor Sam Franklin Thomas are in the running. I expect Kay Ivey to win the GOP Primary easily. The Democratic race is still up in the air. If the Democrats nominate Davis, Ivey has a slight edge. If Sparks is the nominee, it will be close til’ the end. GOP HOLD if Davis is the nominee, TOSSUP if Sparks is the nominee.

Lieutenant Governor: Incumbent Democratic Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom Jr. is running for re-election. On the GOP side, State Senator Hank Erwin and Teacher Gene Ponder are in the running. The Democrats have unified behind Folsom Jr. I expect Erwin to win the GOP Primary and get crushed 57-43 by Folsom Jr. DEM HOLD.

Attorney General: Scandal-mired Incumbent GOP Attorney General Troy King is running for re-election. On the GOP side, King and Attorney Luther Strange are in the running. On the Democratic side, Attorney Michel Nicrosi and former State Democratic Party Chairman Giles Perkins are in the running. I expect King to defeat Strange 54-46 and Perkins to defeat Nicrosi 63-37. In the end, King narrowly wins 51-49. GOP HOLD.

Secretary of State: Incumbent GOP Secretary of State Beth Chapman is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Chapman. There are no announced Democratic Candidates, but two potential candidates are Secretary of State’s Office Administrator Ed Packard and former Secretary of State Nancy Worely. Chapman will defeat whoever the Democrats nominate, if anybody. GOP HOLD.

State Auditor: Incumbent GOP State Auditor Samantha Shaw is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Shaw, and there are no announced or potential Democratic candidates. GOP HOLD.

State Treasurer: Incumbent GOP State Treasurer Kay Ivey is running for Governor. On the GOP side, retired Businessman Terry Dunn, Accountant Ron Stokes, former State Treasurer and former State PSC Commissioner George Wallace Jr. are in the running. On the Democratic side, former State Conservation Commissioner Charles Grimsley and Attorney Jeremy Shearer are in the running. Wallace Jr. will handily defeat the GOP opposition and Grimsley will win 73-27 over Shearer. Wallace Jr. will defeat Grimsley 58-42. GOP HOLD.

State Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries: Incumbent Democratic State Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks is running for Governor. The Democrats have unified behind Deputy State Agriculture Glen Zorn. On the GOP side, Walker County Economic Development Chair Dorman Grace, former State Conservation Commissioner John McMillan, and Businessman Dale Peterson are in the running. I expect McMillan to win 59-32-9 over Grace and Peterson. Zorn will narrowly defeat McMillan 53-47. DEM HOLD.

US Senate: Incumbent GOP US Senator Richard Shelby is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind Shelby, and the Democrats have no announced or potential candidates. GOP HOLD.

US Congress: The GOP easily retains AL-01, AL-04, and AL-06. Here are the others:

AL-02: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Bobby Bright is running for re-election. On the GOP side, Montgomery City Councilwoman Martha Roby and Businessman Rick Barber are in the running. The Democrats have, reluctantly, unified behind Bright. The Independents have unified behind IT Manager Rob John. I expect Roby to be teabagged to death by Barber 52-48. Barber will defeat Bright 54-46. GOP PICKUP.

AL-03: Incumbent GOP Congressman Mike Rogers is running for re-election. The Gop has unified behind Rogers the Democrats have unified behind Attorney Josh Segall, and the Independents have unified behind Real Estate Broker Mark Layfield. Rogers will defeat Segall 55-43, with the rest going to Layfield. GOP HOLD.

AL-05: Incumbent GOP Congressman Parker Griffifth is running for re-election. On the GOP side, Griffifth, Madison County Commissioner Morris Brooks, and Businessman Les Phillip are in the running. There are no announced candidates on the Democratic side, but potential candidates include State Representative Marcel Black, State Senator Tom Butler, Huntsville School Board President Doug Martinson, and former Congressional Aide Steve Raby. I expect Brooks to defeat Griffifth and Phillip 51-45-4. I expect Butler to get in the race for the Democrats. Brooks will defeat Butler 56-44. GOP HOLD.

AL-07: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Artur Davis is running for Governor. On the Democratic side, Attorney Martha Bozeman, State Representative Earl Hilliard Jr., Frank Lankster, former Radio Journalist Patricia Evans Mokolo, Attorney Terri Sewell, Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Smoot, and Mortgage Broker Eddison Waters are in the running. The GOP is unified behind Tea Party Activist Michele Waller. I expect a Runoff between Hilliard Jr. and Smoot, with Hilliard Jr. winning 53-47. Hilliard Jr. handily defeats Waller. DEM HOLD

Via The Fix:

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) will not seek a second term this fall, according to Democratic sources briefed on his decision.

Ritter, elected in a landslide in 2006, had seen his political fate dip considerably in the intervening years, and faced an extremely difficult re-election race against former Rep. Scott McInnis (R) in November.

“Bill Ritter was literally the weakest incumbent in nearly 50 years and his own party was unenthusiastic at best for his reelection,” said Colorado Republican party chairman Dick Wadhams. “Colorado has certainly changed from that heady day at Invesco Field.”

Democrats are likely to turn to either former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff or Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to replace Ritter. Romanoff is currently challenging appointed Sen. Michael Bennet in a Democratic primary and if he could be convinced to switch races would solve two problems for the party.

Colorado is now the eleventh open seat Democrats must defend this year although the other ten seats are being vacated as a result of term limits. Republicans also have eleven open seats of their own to defend. There are 37 governors races on the ballot this fall.

Ritter was a weak choice, so his retirement actually improves Democrats chances of holding this seat because Democrats have a huge bench here to go up against former GOP Congressman Scott McInnis, the presumptive GOP nominee. Still, the GOP is favored.

Here’s a rundown of how I think the GA Races will go:

Governor: Incumbent GOP Governor Sonny Perdue is term-limited, thus setting up a free-for-all on both sides. On the GOP Side, In the GOP Primary, Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine, Secretary of State Karen Handel, former State Senator Eric Johnson, Congressman Nathan Deal, State Senator Jeff Chapman, Ray McBerry, and State Representative Austin Scott are in the running. On the Democratic side, former Governor Roy Barnes, Attorney General Thurbert Baker, Ray City Mayor Carl Camon, House Minority Leader DuBose Porter, and former State Adujant General David Poythress. Third Party candidates in the race are Libertarian John Monds and Write-In candidate Sam Hay III. I expect Oxendine to win by a bigger margin than most people expect. 35-16 in the Primary, and 55-45 in the Runoff. The Democratic Primary is less certain. While I expect Barnes to come out ahead 45-39 over Baker in the July 20 Primaries, I get the sneaking suspicion Baker will win the Runoff, and it won’t be that close. 54-46 is my prediction at the moment. Currently, I have Ox as the next Governor over whoever the Democrats nominate. GOP HOLD.

Lieutenant Governor: Incumbent GOP Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle is so far running for re-election and he probably won’t have much difficulty winning. Democrats have been trying to recruit Labor Commissioner Mike Thurmond, Ray City Mayor and current Gubernatorial candidate Carl Camon, State Senator Tim Golden, State Representative Debbie Buckner, and former State Senators Floyd Griffin Jr and Michael Meyer Von Bremen. Thurmond is the only one who can give Cagle a race, and he’s shown little to no interest in running. Cagle will defeat anyone the Dems nominate, especially Von Bremen(if you want proof, look at his disatrous campaign for Court of Appeals in 2008). GOP HOLD.

Secretary of State: Incumbent GOP Secretary of State Karen Handel is running for Governor. On the GOP side, former State Senator Brian Kemp and Sandy Springs City Councilor Doug MacGinnitie are in the running. On the Democratic side, Attorney Gary Horlacher and Public Relations Executive Michael Mills are in the running. In the GOP Primary, I expect Kemp to narrowly win over MacGinnitie 52-48. In the Democratic Primary, it is unclear to me who will get the nod. One thing is clear, the GOP is headed for a big victory here. GOP HOLD.

Attorney General: Incumbent Democratic Attorney General Thurbert Baker is running for Governor. On the GOP side, Cobb County Commission Chair Sam Olens and former US Attorney and USAF Veteran Max Wood are in the running. On the Democratic side, State Representative Rob Teilhet and former Dougherty Circuit District Attorney Ken Hodges are in the running. In the GOP Primary, I expect Sam Olens to win by about a 65-35 margin. The Democratic Primary is a Tossup. Whoever wins will be in a tight contest with Olens. TOSSUP.

State School Superintendent: Incumbent GOP School Superintendent Kathy Cox is running for re-election. In the GOP Primary, Incumbent Kathy Cox, School Administrator Richard Woods, and former State Representative Roger Hines are in the running. In the Democratic Primary, University Administrator Beth Farokhi and Teacher Brian Westlake are in the running. In the GOP Primary, I expect Woods and Hines to go to a Runoff and Hines wins 53-47. The Democratic Primary is unclear at the moment. Hines will crush whoever the Democrats nominate. GOP HOLD.

State Agriculture Comissioner: Incumbent Democratic Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin is retiring. In the GOP Primary, GA Agribsuiness Council President Gary Black and former USDA Official Darwin Carter are in the running. Nobody has announced for the Democratic nod as of yet. However, the Democrats have plenty to choose from in State Representatives Alan Powell and Mike Cheokas, Ecosystem Scientist Rand Knight, Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Oscar Garrison, and Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Terry Coleman. Coleman and Garrison are the strongest options, and Coleman seems likely to run. While I support Carter, I have a feeling Black is the strongest option for the GOP. In the GOP Primary, Black wins big, 57-43. With Democratic candidates like these, it will be close to the end. TOSSUP.

State Insurance Commissioner: Incumbent GOP Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine is running for Governor. On the GOP side, State Representative Tom Knox, Peachtree City Mayor Harold Logsdon, Insurance Broker Stephen Northington, Health Benefits Consultant Gerry Purcell, Attorney Maria Sheffield, and State Senators Seth Harp and Ralph Hudgens. The Democrats have unified behind former State Senator Mary Squires. The GOP Primary is very uncertain at this point. Whoever the GOP nominates will defeat Squires handily. GOP HOLD.

State Labor Commissioner: Incumbent Democratic Labor Commissioner Mike Thurmond is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind State Representative Melvin Everson and the Democrats are unifying behind Thurmond. At this point, Thurmond should be given a slight edge. DEM HOLD.

US Senate: Incumbent GOP Senator Johnny Isakson is running for re-election. The GOP is unifying behind Isakson, the Democrats are unifying behind former Rockdale County Commission Chief of Staff RJ Hadley, and the Libertarians are unifying behind Chuck Donovan. At this point, IsaKson easily wins 59-37-4. GOP HOLD.

US Congress: GOP holds Districts 1, 6, 7, 10, and 11. Dems hold Districts 4 and 5.

GA-02: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Sanford Bishop is running for re-election. The GOP has unified behind State Representative Mike Keown and the Democrats have unified behind Bishop. Bishop has a slight edge, but that will probably change as the year progresses. DEM HOLD.

GA-03: Incumbent GOP Congressman Lynn Westmoreland is running for re-election. The only announced challenger is Independent Alan Weaver. If the “Throw the Bums out” mentality holds through to November, Westmoreland could be in serious trouble. But for now, GOP HOLD.

GA-08: Incumbent Democratic Congressman Jim Marshall is running for re-election. On the GOP side, Central Fellowship Christian Academy Dean Ken DeLoach, Businesswoman Angela Hicks, Technical Writer Valerie Myers, and former Bibb County GOP Chairman Paul Rish are in the running. As I see it, DeLoach and Rish are the frontrunners. In this political climate, anything could happen, but Marshall is so far favored. DEM HOLD

GA-09: Incumbent GOP Congressman than Deal is running for Governor, setting off a free-for-all in the GOP Primaries. Announced candidates on the GOP side are Danny Benton, Whitfield County Commissioner Mike Cowan, Businessmen Tom Dooley and Jeremy Jones, former State Transportation Board Member Mike Evans, State Representatives Tom Graves and Bobby Reese, State Senator Lee Hawkins, Retired Neurosurgeon Bert Loftman(my horse in the race), former State Senator Bill Stephens, and Chickamauga City Councilor Steve Tarvin. The Democrats have unified behind Hall County Democratic Party Chairman Mike Freeman and the Independents have unified behind Marketing Executive Eugene Moon. The GOP frontrunners are Evans, Hawkins, and Graves. Anybody the GOP nominates will win, easily. GOP HOLD.

GA-12: Incumbent Democratic Congressman John Barrow is running for re-election. On the GOP side, Thunderbolt Fire Chief Carl Smith and Businesswoman Jeanne Seaver are in the running. On the Democratic side, Barrow and former State Senator Regina Thomas are in the running. Smith will handily win his primary, while the Democratic side is in question. If Barrow wins, the GOP has an outside chance. If Thomas wins, this is a lost cause. DEM HOLD.

GA-13: Incumbent Democratic Congressman David Scott is running for re-election. The only announced challenger is Independent Michael Frisbee. If the “Throw the Bums out” mentality holds through to November, Scott could be in serious trouble. But for now, DEM HOLD.

Your thoughts.

(Note: I thought that since there is a movement afoot to refound our country for the better, I thought I would chronicle the life of a person who helped found this country in the first place)

Benjamin Franklin, who would later become one of the first great Americans and inventors, was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachussets. He was the 15th out of 17 children. His father made soap and candles and was married twice.

Benjamin Franklin went to school for a short time, but he dropped out and became an apprentice to his brother James, a printer. James cuffed Ben each time he made a mistake and whacked him if he thought Ben was impertinent. While working for his brother, he played jokes, and he wrote columns in the newspaper under an assumed name criticizing Harvard boys and other things, all the time using the pen name “Silence Dogood”. When his brother found out that he had been tricked, he was displeased. At a young age, Ben Franklin quit his job and ran away. He had a great interest in reading even before he ran away. He would buy any book that he could afford to buy, and he would also borrow as many books as he could, staying up all night reading the books. Ben learned how to write by reading books like Addison and Steele’s “The Spectator”. He would take notes on what he had read and try to rewrite the Books like the authors’ version. If he had made any mistakes, he would go back and correct them.

Ben Franklin’s careers started when he became a local printer who set up the first printing press, and he molded type from lead forms. He started his own printing shop where he printed newspapers, books, and magazines. He won a contract to print all official notices and records for the Pennsylvania Assembly. Ben Franklin was also a community organizer and local businessman. He started the first circulating library in America along with a volunteer fire company, the first hospital, and the first academy in America. His ability made him a marked man among people. He was appointed Secretary of the Pennsylvania Assembly and later Postmaster of Philadelphia. He was the man who stopped the money loss on unclaimed mail by printing in his newspaper the names of people who had mail waiting for them. When he was 24, he married Mrs. Deborah Read and they had one child, but that did not stop him from becoming the man that he was. After that, he developed a simple, accurate way of keeping post office accounts. Ben Franklin was still very interested in reading, but he was also an inventor and scientist. He wrote and published the book Poor Richards Almanac. He often scorned his own advice about going to bed early because he was a busy man.

Ben Franklin had long hated the discomfort of homes half heated by the drafty fireplaces; he therefore invented an iron stove. The back of this stove stood in the fireplace, but its grate extended out into the room. The Governor of Pennsylvania urged Ben to get a patent for his inventions, but he didn’t. He wanted the stoves to be made cheaply so that many people could buy them. Another one of his scientific interests, along with his friends, was the force of electricity. Not much was then known about it. When a European scientist found a way to store electricity in jars or tubes, Ben ordered some of the tubes and set up a lab in his house As he experimented, he suddenly realized that lightning could be a discharge from the clouds. In 1752, he sent an account of his idea to scientists in London and France. He and his son William went out into a meadow during a thunderstorm, then flew a kite into the air, and brought a charge of electricity down the kites wet string. He then stored the charge into a jar of water and hooked a wire to the jar. Next he hooked the wire to a bell, making it ring. He had proof that he had electricity from the sky when the bell rang. Because of that, he was awarded honorary degrees from Yale, Harvard, and the College of William and Mary. He next invented the lightning rod to protect buildings from lightning bolts. In 1753, he was made Deputy Postmaster for all 13 colonies. At once, he began to visit Post Offices and to improve the service. He put his bookkeeping system into every Post Office, hired more post boys, and made them feel that carrying mail was important. Instead of delivering letters from town to town only twice during the winter, he had mail delivered every week.

When the French and Indian War started, Ben Franklin had aroused Pennsylvanians to their danger. He started volunteer companies of soldiers drilling on the green and had guns placed on the Delaware River to keep off French vessels. When the British troops landed in Virginia in 1753, Franklin gave them important aid by hiring wagons to carry supplies. All taxpayers in Pennsylvania were helping to pay for the expensive defense work except for the owners of large tracts of land. To persuade the Penns to pay their share, Franklin was sent to London. He was in London when he heard about the British victory in the French and Indian War. He returned home, only to find that a new quarrel had broken out between Pennsylvania and the Penn family. In 1765 after he landed in England again, Parliament had passed the Stamp Act. A fury of protests broke out, and Americans refused to buy the stamps. He was called over to the English House of Commons for questioning. He presented the case so clearly and reasonably that he was influential in convincing England to repeal the Stamp Act. For ten years, he was America’s most important representative in England. He teased the British about their ignorance of America by writing funny, exaggerated stories in newspapers. In Germany and France, he was welcomed, not only as a scientist, but as a champion of liberty. In 1775 Franklin returned to Philadelphia just after the battles of Lexington and Concord. He then became the Postmaster of the thirteen colonies and a member of the Second Continental Congress and was appointed to a Committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence and was one of its signers. Before he left for France in 1776, he lent Congress 4,000 pounds of his own money. From the moment he entered the French capital Paris, “The Doctor Franklin”, as he was called there, was swarmed by admiring visitors, and his simple dignity appealed to everyone. He worked very hard. First he secured formal recognition for his country. Then he had to persuade the French of the advantages of an alliance. His wisdom and affectionate understanding of the French people made him a successful diplomat. The Treaty of Alliance was signed on February 6, 1778, and he was the outstanding person at the celebration at the royal palace on March 20, 1778. King Louis XVI told everyone that France was America’s friend and would help fight for America’s freedom. Five years later, the war was over, and Ben Franklin, among others, signed the Peace treaty. When he came home in 1785, he brought tender farewell messages from the French and a gift from the King.

In Philadelphia when Ben Franklin landed, a tremendous crowd swamped him. Old and frail as he was, he became President of the Pennsylvania State Assembly and a member of the Constitutional Convention. When members of the convention would disagree, a word from Mr. Franklin would calm them. When the Constitution was drafted, Franklin was one of the signers. Over the years, people like George Washington, John Adams, James Madison, and other Americans visited Mr. Franklin. They enjoyed his books, the rockers he had made for his armchair, and a chair which would turn into a stepladder for reaching books. Even though he was often too ill to get around, he loved his friends and wrote newspaper articles and his famous autobiography. His last public act was to carve his signature onto a memorial to the State Legislature as President of the Penn State Society for the abolition of negro slavery. When Ben Franklin died on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84, the world knew that one of the sons of liberty had passed away.

(Cross posted at Conservative State Project)

In the 2010 GA-GOV race that is currently underway, my chosen candidate is Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, and here are the issues that I base my support of Oxendine on:

FairTax: If elected, John Oxendine has stated that he would implement the Fair Tax. For those who don’t know, the Fair Tax is a progressive national retail sales tax, a prebate to ensure no American pays federal taxes on spending up to the poverty level, Dollar-for-dollar federal revenue neutrality, and a repeal of the 16th Amendment through companion legislation. This is a very good idea and I believe it will truly help GA’s economy in a positive way.

GA Tax Code: If elected, John Oxendine has stated that we need to scrap the current Georgia tax code. He also says that Georgia needs to develop a revenue program based on our modern economy and not the Industrial Revolution’s, and that we must manage Georgia with a solid conservative, free enterprise philosophy, cut out those functions best managed by the private sector, and have a tax code that does not tax income. This is not only a good idea, this is a <strong>GREAT</strong> idea!

Transportation: If elected, John Oxendine has stated that, to solve the transportation problem, we must build a western bypass and a fallline freeway. This western bypass would start at Ringgold, go through Summerville, Carrollton, Newnan, and end at Macon. The fallline freeway would start at Colombus, go through Macon, and end at Augusta. This would ease the difficulty that the businesses in South Georgia have when they are going north to ship products. Another idea to ease congestion around the connector is to build a paralell connector, connecting I-85 to I-75, and also going through I-20.

Water: If elected, John Oxendine has stated that, to solve the Water problem, he would start the process of digging a series of state-owned and operated resivoirs over North Georgia. This will help to preserve water and give the local citizens access to their water, and it will help bring industry to Georgia.

Abortion: If elected, John Oxendine has stated that he will use the power of the Governor’s office to create an environment where abortion providers will not want to do business in Georgia any longer. He will enforce existing law and use the state Constitution to put Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers out of business in Georgia. Life is a precious gift from our Creator. Abortion is the taking of that precious gift, an innocent life. As Governor, he will oppose abortion at any point of gestation. Our support for life should be supplemented by an amendment to the Georgia Constitution proclaiming a “paramount right to life”.

However, this is just my opinion, and I’d like to hear yours in the comments.