Posted 2:16 PM by Todd

UPDATED PREDICTIONS FOR THE 2002 ELECTIONS

Compared to most presidents, George W. Bush is poised to have an excellent midterm election.

I project the Republicans to re-take the Senate, gaining seats in South Dakota and Minnesota, while holding onto the House (a net loss of only 2 seats there). In the governor's races, it'll be a better outcome for the Democrats as they score a net gain of seven seats, including the big prizes of Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

In 2004, I now have Al Gore capturing the Democratic nomination setting the stages for a Bush-Gore rematch in the fall. This time, Bush wins by fourteen points, 56% to 42%. Republicans keep both Houses of Congress.

I know "Patrick" hates to hear this, but in 2008, Jeb Bush will be the Republican nominee and triumph over Hillary Rodham Clinton to succeed his brother in the White House.

I think that a hundred years from now political scientists will be very intrigued by our current "Bush-Clinton" era. Think of it: In 1992, Bush Senior lost to Clinton Senior. Then in 2000, Bush Junior beat Clinton Junior (otherwise known as Al Gore, the Vice President). Then in 2004, Bush Junior beats Clinton Junior again. Then in 2008 Bush Junior's Brother beats Clinton's Wife.

It's like we have two monarchies fighting for supremacy in the world's oldest democracy.

-Todd