The Southpaw Spot

Can you hit left-handed pitching? Let's find out!

The Southpaw Spot announces its first-ever election contest, and here is how it will work:

Next week, I am going to list the Senate races that are considered "Toss-ups" (as named so by the Cook Political Report.) As of now, that looks like NJ, TN, VA, and MO. Whoever wishes to enter must predict the outcome of each race. Five points per race. There will also be Governors races listed if they are toss-ups, most likely IA, MN, OR, WI. Since they do not receive as much national attention, they are worth 3 points each. You must then submit a guess as to what the Senate and House D/R splits will be post-election (Lieberman and Sanders, having announced intentions to caucus with the Democrats, will be considered Democrats for the purpose of this contest.) Hit the nail on the head in the Senate, get 25 points. Hit the nail on the head in the House, get 50 points. 3 points will be deducted for every seat you are off in the Senate, 1 point deducted for every seat you are off in the House.

Beat the Southpaw, and you get a guest post on his site, limited in scope to your interpretation of why the election went the way it did, and what you think the impact of the election will be on policy. 500 words maximum. Lose, and you must allow me to make a post on your blog (if you have one!) of a similar nature. We work on the honor system here, so if you enter, I trust you are accepting the challenge and will allow me to post if I beat you. If you beat me, rest assured, I will post your comments (reserving the right to edit out any content not related to the elections or policy.)

All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m on October 31, 2006. Submit an entry by posting a comment on my blog once the races are listed, probably sometime late next week.

Good luck, and may the force be with you.

posted by The leftist southpaw @ 4:45 PM