For Macon Telegraph Staff Writer Andy Peters, its 2 home run articles in 1 week; but for Bobby Kahn, Mr. Peter questions if we will even get a single.

The 8-16-04 post below entitled "In the world of at least one Bobby I know it's 3 strikes and you're out -- Here's to hoping for a double," starts out as follows:

"I am hopeful that by July 20 certain members of our Party’s leadership -- who long ago conceded the U.S. Senate race in November to the Republicans and decided to emphasize the important task of retaking the state Senate and gaining seats in the state House -- will see the light and recognize that if we elect the right U.S. Senate candidate on July 20, not only will this help our Party attain these important state objectives in November, but also will greatly enhance our Party’s chances of retaking the Governor’s Office in 2006. (A slanted, biased and most unreliable source for an opinion.)

An article in the 8-16-04 Macon Telegraph by Andy Peters entitled 'Georgia Democrats face steep climb to reclaim Senate majority' is as good of play by play that you are going to get on the state Senate races. The headline sort of tells it all."
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Well, on 8-27-04, Mr. Peters writes another home run articles that this time is about the state House. Again, his headline doesn't make us want us to rush out and place our orders for champagne for our election returns parties on the evening of November 2.

The headline says that "Democrats' control of House on thin ice," and the article cautions:

Terry Coleman better not get too comfortable in the House Speaker's office on the third floor of the state Capitol.

There are so many closely contested races this year, that House control could easily swing Republican or Democrat, the Telegraph's analysis showed. It's even possible that the House could be deadlocked in a 90-90 tie, setting the stage for House leadership by coalition.

Republicans already have a 10-seat head start. In the July primary and August runoff elections, Republicans won 56 races where there will be no opposing Democrat in November. Democrats won only 46 such races.

"We feel like we have certainly the best chance and most realistic chance in the history of our party" of winning a House majority, said Marty Klein, a spokesman for the state Republican Party. "Our number-one goal is to have a Republican speaker in January."

At least one Democrat doesn't think the tendency of rural areas to vote Republican nationally is a good indicator of this year's elections.

"In much of middle and south Georgia, many folks are actually mad at Bush, and by and large they voted for him in 2000," said Coffee County attorney Sid Cottingham, who ran for the U.S. Senate this year. "We are back to the way state races are usually determined, candidate by candidate, regardless of party affiliation."

If the strength of the candidate is the key factor, rather than party, then most incumbent Democrats should win, since many hold committee chairman positions because of their seniority.
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My take for this November as far as our state races go -- I do not see either the Democrats or Republicans having an advantage in the upcoming races.

This time, pretty much without exception, any district's 2002 vote for Perdue and Chambliss can be completely disregarded.

Normally the past presidential race might be somewhat of a factor to consider in trying to forecast outcomes, especially the federal elections for Congress and the U.S. Senate, but I do not even think this will be a factor this year. And, in my opionion, definitely will not be for our state Senate and House races.

As far as Presidential coattails go this year in Georgia, it is going to be a wash.

Bush will not doing nearly as well as he did in 2000. And Kerry, Kerry is just not a coattails-type candidate.

In the candidate to candidate matchup, may the best man win, assuming he is a Democrat. And for the party switchers, may history be with you.