2008 Senate predictions

[Alcon]

OR: 9/11 factor

Err, I'm not sure how strong the 9/11 factor was in 1997...

[Alcon]

I assumed you meant 2002 (but that would have been less fun to be an ass about), but do you really think Smith would have been in trouble if not for 9/11?  Who would have challenged him?  All of the congressional candidates would have been lukewarm at best.  I don't think 9/11 not happening would have meant that they could have found someone willing to throw themselves in the fire.