Today citizens across the nation may once again hear the phrase that threw the 2000 election into chaos: too close to call.
Control of the U.S. Senate, which is now evenly split between Republicans and Democrats and the Republican-controlled House of Representatives is up for grabs, along with many closely contested gubernatorial seats. Several Senate seats and about 10 governorships are within the margin of error of recent polls.
According to UW-Madison political science Professor David Canon, the best races to watch include the Senate contests in Minnesota, North Carolina and Missouri and the gubernatorial race in Florida. Canon added that he is especially interested in the Minnesota Senate race between Walter Mondale and Norm Coleman. The race began a week ago after the death of U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., and Mondale's subsequent appointment to replace him on the ballot.
\That one's definitely a toss-up right now,"" Canon said. ""I think Mondale will probably win, but it's going to be tight.""
While many of these close races are sure to have a late finish tonight, the final makeup of the Senate may not be determined until much later. In Louisiana, Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu will face a December runoff unless she can garner more than 50 percent of the vote. And possible legal challenges involving absentee ballots in Minnesota may tie up the results there.
According to Canon, polls not only show many races are tightly contested, they also suggest there are no unifying national issues underlying this election.
""It tends to be more localized issues and race-by-race,"" he added.
Republican National Committee spokesperson Kevin Sheridan said he disagreed.
""Republicans all across the country are running on a message of national, homeland and economic security,"" Sheridan said.
According to Democratic National Committee Communications Director Maria Cardona, the Democrats are also pursuing a national strategy.
""We believe the Bush administration has a dismal economic record,"" Cardona said. ""The message from our Democratic candidates is, 'Are you better off now than you were two years ago?' And in most cases the answer will be no.""
Canon said that while the Senate and House are unlikely to change hands, the election will lead to at least one major difference.
""The Democrats are almost certain to pick up six or seven governorships, which is a pretty big turnover,"" Canon said.
According to Sheridan, the Republicans are not making any predictions. But Cardona said she was optimistic about the Democratic prospects.
""I think we will pick up one to three Senate seats, pick up the majority of governorships and take back the House,"" she said.
