Anyone who thinks they can call this one ahead of time is blowing smoke up your ass, and probably for some political purposes. I've seen two surveys taken at the same time that simultaneously predict a Republican and a Democratic victory in both houses. Most surveys are all over the map, as are most pundits.

Something could happen in the next week that could toss it decidedly either way, but I think that many elections won't be decided until election night. Heck, I'd bet many voters won't decide until election night. The frantic drumbeat on the economy keeps on going, but I think that unless General Motors suddenly goes under this week, pretty much all the damage has been done there that can be done.

I don't think Bush and Iraq are really affecting the local elections that much, although looking like you support for Bush looks good in a lot of precincts.*

Sadly, given the experience of recent years, the most likely outcome is many of the close elections thrown into the "recount until we win" or "let the friendly judges decide" category.

*Say what you will about Wellstone the Socialist, he was one of the few leftists with the guts to vote against Bush while he was running himself in a very close election. A lot of fair-weather liberals swallowed their convictions to make the voters happy.