What's Going on Lower Down the Ballot

Many Americans are gearing up for an historic presidential election in the fall but little is being said about equal and in some ways just as important elections that will be taking place that same day. On November 4, 2008 many people will cast their ballot for President of the United States. People are excited about both presumptive nominees from the two major parties. One option is, to many, "a maverick", a war hero, a veteran who is strong on ethics; the other candidate, to many, is a beacon of hope and an example of all that can be good about the United States. With all of this, there still may be more important votes cast on that day.

On that day many will choose the next president, but soon after that choice people in 35 other states will also vote for a senator. This is huge because regardless who the next president is, he will only be as effective as the Congress he is working with will allow him to be. Some of the seats are thought to be pretty secure with either a well-known incumbent or a state that generally leans to one party, but many seats are in play this November.

One of the more interesting Senate races will be in Virginia. Virginia is already on the tongue of many political anaylst as they look forward to the presidential election. Virginia is a state that has gone decidely Republican in the last two presidential elections but the overwhelming popularity of Sen. Obama and the resounding primary win he had there leads many to think he may steal that state. Furthermore there were three Virginia politicians who were rumored to be on Obama's shortlist as VP choices. Sen. Jim Webb, Gov. Tim Kaine, and Fmr. Gov. Mark Warner. Warner has since withdrawn his name from consideration choosing instead to concentrate on his run for the senate seat. Opposing Warner will be former Gov. Jim Gilmore. Gilmore has a considerable amount of work cut out for him as Warner has the advantage of his success in the governor's mansion being fresh in the mind of many Virgnians.

Another key state to keep in mind is Mississippi. Pundits are saying this is another state that normally leans Republican in presidential elections but could be very much in play for Democrats this year. Outside of the presidential election, Democrats in Mississippi are excited about fmr. Gov. Ronnie Musgrove . Musgrove will be facing incumbent Roger Wicker who is finishing Trent Lott's Senate term. Democrats have already won a special election to fill Wicker's former congressional seat. Democrats in Mississppi have much to be excited about, whereas Republicans are counting on stalwart and Senior Senator Thad Cochran to retain his seat as both Mississippi Senate seats are up for election.

There are many other states that are in play and many other surprises to be had this election season. As Sens. Obama and McCain rally new groups of voters to inform themselves on the issues and stances of candidates be sure to notice what happens lower down the ballot because that could be the real tell-tale sign of what a true leader can do, or what kind of change to look forward to.