The Premature Demise of the Republican Party

Democrats are giddy, Republicans grumpy.  Time, and many others, are already declaring Democrats the winners of the 2006 Congressional elections.  Why wait until November when you can be a winner now?

This horse race speculation is based on Bush's low approval ratings and the growing Republican financial scandals. 

But never count out Karl Rove.  These Republican strategists are nasty evil men who will stop at nothing to control government.  And by November they'll be cornered dogs, fighting not just to hold onto power, but to keep themselves out of jail.  If a serious opposition party ever started to investigate this group, it's likely the entire Republican hierarchy could end up in prison.  From violating the 4th amendment to some of the most brazen bribery ever seen in the halls of Congress, it's unlikely that Republicans will long remain sitting ducks.  Let's not forget what all that bribery has bought them.  Republicans raise more money, far more money, than Democrats ever could because of their willingness to sell their services to the highest bidder.

Rest assured that before November Bush and friends will concoct some major foreign policy conundrum.  This won't be an October Surprise, this will be an August Inevitability.  Don't forget Bush's first mid-term elections, wherein he demanded his Iraq War resolution, forcing Democrats to become Bush patriot puppets. 

Most likely scenarios which seem to be already in the works:

Resolution for Military action against Iran

Military strike against Iran

Withdrawal from Iraq--Declaration of Victory and establishment of permanent government will be the perfect excuse to announce a withdrawal (an actual withdrawal is almost impossible, but an announcement and declaration of victory is almost certain)

Major terrorist attack

Major terrorist attack foiled

Draconian Immigration legislation

Rash of anti-gay adoption ballot measures

But the most likely scenario is that the magical Diebold voting machines will mysteriously produce a dramatic shift in voter sentiment.