Straight Time - I still

Straight Time - I still haven't voted - but for me, there's no suspense. Just a little amazement.

Because while I'm a thoroughgoing conservative with portfolio (and audition tape), I have never in my life voted a straight party ticket. I have always split my vote to some extent or another - leaving aside the fact that I was a McGovernite Democrat until I was about 20, I've voted for Reformers, Independence Party candidates, Libertarians, a couple of deserving DFLers, and even a North Dakota eccentric that would have been a Green had there been a Green party in 1984.

But this year? I'm voting straight Republican - the first straight ticket in my voting life. The races that matter are just too close. As much as I'd like to see Norm Coleman in the Senate, I have to admit that even if Fritz won, the Senate would still be less liberal than it was with Wellstone in it. But the thought of a Governor Moe or Governor Penny for four years is just too depressing to think about.