Congratulations are in order

First, to the Democrats for winning the 2006 elections. They ran a very good campaign. Credit goes to Rahm Emmanuel and Chuck Schumer above all for recruiting great candidates and strategically putting money into races that became competitive late. Unlike Howard Dean, who squandered all the DNC's money early. I agree with Carville- Dean screwed up. And it's not the first time. In 2004, Dean blew through all his money before the first primary. But hey, when your team wins you don't go cleaning out the leadership. Dean gets to try again in 2008, which will be a much bigger test.

Second, while we're discussing keeping the leadership that brung ya, congratulations to Democrats for electing Steny Hoyer Majority Leader over the corrupt John Murtha. Although the Democrats as a whole are to be commended, Nancy Pelosi made a major error in backing Murtha. Should have given him the brush off, despite his past favors to her.

Finally, let's get to the Republican leadership. The Republicans, as the thoroughly stomped losers of 2006, should make the necessary changes to get back their majorities and win the White House in 2008. The latter part should be fairly easy, what with John McCain and Rudy Giuliani pretty much announcing that they are in the race. Hard to see the Democrats putting up anyone who can compete with either of those superstars.

The first part(changing leadership) is the tough part. Mitch McConnell, while not perfect, should be a superior Senate Republican Leader to Bill Frist. The Whip on the other hand, is now Trent Lott, the veteran porker with a history of racial problems much like George Allen's. John McCain supported Lott and was the deciding vote. Why would McCain support Lott, you say? Because Lott supports McCain for President, that's why. And Lott's opponent in the Whip race, Lamar Alexander, supports Bill Frist. This one's going to come back to hurt McCain.

So the Senate Republicans showed they learned very little. How about the House? Well, tomorrow they will elect their leaders. Incumbents John Boehner and Roy Blunt are trying to keep their jobs against challenges from Mike Pence and John Shadegg. Pence and Shadegg are excellent leadership candidates. If the House GOP has learned anything at all from their shellacking, they should elect Pence Minority Leader and Shadegg Minority Whip. If they don't, then they'd better settle in for a long period in the wilderness.

Final election endorsements and predictions-House

Not as many here, just because there are too many to cover, but these are the races that are most important to me:

CT-04 Shays(R) is a good man who doesn't deserve to go out with the other Republican trash this year. I think he'll pull it out. Prediction: Shays(R)

FL-22 Ron Klein(D) and E. Clay Shaw(R) are both fine candidates. This district has been lucky to have Shaw represent it for so long and is lucky to usually have strong candidates run against him. Klein is the strongest yet. Still, I think the voters are going to send Shaw back again. Prediction: Shaw(R).

IL-06 I endorse Tammy Duckworth(D) with one of the strongest endorsements I can give. Another future Presidential prospect. The woman is brilliant, beautiful, and has her head on straight, unlike many Democrats, who have gotten a bit crazy in recent years when it comes to criticizing the President. And I think she's going to win. Prediction: Duckworth(D).

IN-09 This race sucks. Both Sodrel(R) and Hill(D) are horrible. I'm going to predict that Hill(D) wins it, but geez, get some better choices for '08.

KY-03 Another race that sucks. Yarmuth(D) is a liberal hypocrite who is off his rocker. Northrup(R) represents everything that is wrong with the Republican Party today. I think she'll survive though. Prediction: Northrup(R).

MN-06 I endorse Michele Bachmann(R). An outstanding fiscally conservative candidate. Close race, but I think she's going to win it. Prediction: Bachmann(R).

NY-26 Reynolds is toast, and rightfully so. Prediction: Davis(D).

OH-02 Prediction: Schmidt(R). I really have nothing else to say about another uninspiring race.

TX-22 Delay's old district. I endorse Nick Lampson(D). Lampson will win this one.

PA- John Murtha is the most corrupt Democrat next to William Jefferson. He needs to go. Diana Irey(R) is a rising star. She probably won't win, but we'll be hearing from her again. Endorsement: Irey(R). Prediction: Murtha(D).

My final election endorsements and predictions-Senate

Arizona- I heartily endorse John Kyl(R), one of the most fiscally responsible members of Congress. In this case, my prediction and endorsement are the same: John Kyl wins reelection.

Connecticut- I also heartily endorse Joe Lieberman(I). Lieberman is an outspoken supporter of the War on Terror. Another case where I'm likely to get what I want: Lieberman will win reelection.

Maryland- I don't endorse either candidate. Not because I hate them both or anything, but just because in order for me to actually endorse someone I have to be enthusiastic about them. Prediction: Cardin(D) wins, although Steele is going to make it closer than most think.

Michigan- Prediction: Stabenow(D)

Minnesota- I endorse Mark Kennedy(R), a bright young conservative/libertarian star. Is he going to win? Doesn't look like it. Prediction: Klobuchar(D).

Missouri- Prediction: McCaskill(D)

Montana- Prediction: Tester(D). Burns is corrupt and out of touch.

New Jersey- I endorse Tom Kean(R), a clean Republican in a state with a dirty Democratic machine. Although he's trailing a little, I think he's pulling this one out. Prediction: Kean(R)

Ohio- Prediction: Brown(D)

Pennsylvania- I endorse Bob Casey(D), a solid moderate Democrat. Normally I'd endorse anyone who runs against the odious Rick Santorum, but Casey makes it easy for me. With his wide lead in the polls, it makes it easier still. Prediction: Casey(D)

Rhode Island- I endorse Lincoln Chaffee(R), a longtime maverick and honest Republican. This race still has a lot of undecideds, so I'm not confident about this prediction: Whitehouse(D) will win.

Tennessee- I endorse Harold Ford(D). A potential future President. Smart, moderate, a leader. Corker's an empty suit. Prediction: Ford(D).

Virginia- I endorse James Webb(D). Like with Santorum, I'd probably endorse anyone against George Allen, but Webb is another guy who makes it easy. Prediction: Webb(D).

Washington- Cantwell(D). I'd like to point out that I think both candidates are very good candidates and Washington would be well-served by either.