I just gave a speech on the 2006 elections at the Leadership Institute for a group of about 50 college freshmen and sophomores from Louisiana. The kids somehow remained interested as we went across the map to discuss all of the competitive House races (that was all we had time for). Due to a microphone malfunction, I had to shout and gesticulate the whole time, which I considered a plus. How else can anyone make all those House races interesting?

My advice to them:

1) Some races just can't be won.
2) It doesn't matter whether candidates are sincere or not in what they say -- it may still get them elected.
3) The thing about negative campaigning is that it usually works.
4) Brace yourself for the worst election cycle yet in your political lifetime.
5) Always read the Evans-Novak Political Report, which called 13 of 14 contested races correctly yesterday (including some really close ones and two underdogs). Sign up at www.evansnovak.com

My predictions at the end: I told them I was assuming something really good happens for the GOP in the next few months (I mean, something has to, right?), and Republicans lose just ten seats in the House and three in the Senate. That's subject to modification September 13, when all the important primaries finish up.