Breakdown Dead Ahead

“…I call ya’, you ain't in. What's this cold reaction, where you been? Ooh baby, layin' it on the line. If this is last call, and you say that's all you can take it's fine…” …Breakdown Dead Ahead…Boz Scaggs…Next Tuesday, if it’s not a breakdown, it’ll at the very least be an interesting re-shuffle of the political deck. While presidential elections own the headlines, down ballot races over the course of four years sometimes have more effect on our day-to-day lives. If you consider it, excluding federal income tax brackets, tariffs involving consumer goods, and federal regulations on energy production, our cost of living and quality of day-to-day life rest primarily in the hands of state and local government. Traditionally in a national election, there is something of a down ballot effect, a presidential win by either party may trigger a red wave, or a blue wave. Changes in the majority control of the House and Senate are not uncommon, and races for Governor will generally follow the same pattern. The more contentious the presidential election is, the farther the down ballot effect travels. Trump vs Harris is a nasty race with little if any middle ground. Harris and Trump dislike each other, and their core supporters dislike each other even more. So, where could this election potentially end up? Imagine Harris with a democratic house and senate- you can kiss those AR15’s, gas guzzlers and gas stoves goodbye. Excessive spending, expanded social programs, and inclusive government with its checklist of skin color, pronouns, and which bathroom you urinate in will remain the order of the day. Under Trump those extended social programs, and inclusive government will be a thing of the past. Life would be far easier- swear an oath to Trump, sign it in blood, publicly announce the prior election was stolen, January 6th was a patriotic event, and ignore his 38 felony convictions-piece of cake. Not everybody’s piece of cake, but for Republicans, it’s like they say about dog breath- it’s better than no breath at all. The founding fathers were concerned about too much power residing in the hands of any one individual and wrote checks and balances in The Constitution, and they’ve served us well since 1776. Four issues have driven the 2024 election from the first primary, and they’ll drive the down ballot vote next Tuesday- Donald Trump, abortion, immigration, and the economy. Swing voters aren’t in love with Kamala Harris, but they’d rather cut their wrists than vote for Trump- edge to Harris. Abortion rights are the democrats “silver bullet” and may give Democrats the senate, the house and several governorships. Women and young voters are going to come out in droves- strong edge to Harris. Immigration is the republicans “silver bullet” because, rightly or wrongly, they can relate the southern border to crime, and it may play heavily in state races- strong edge to Trump. The economy is tricky because inflation, and high prices at the gas pump and grocery store, are a major concern to down ballot voters on a budget- only a slight edge to Trump because voters are concerned his proposed tariffs will simply come back as price increases to the consumer. Next Tuesday, they’re going to give you a ballot, read the whole thing down to the bottom before you start putting X’s beside the candidate’s names. Senators, Representatives, Governors, Mayors, and County Board Commissioners have a lot of control over our money, our taxes and our quality of life. Don’t punish down ballot candidates because of Trump or Harris; regardless of party, choose solid candidates from either party that best represent your values and quality of life. Above all else, get out and vote. I never agreed with much Valerie Jarrett said, but she got it right when she said, “…elections have consequences…”