As voters all over the country head to the polls today, the leaders of Dartmouth's political student organizations predict close and decisive races in New Hampshire and the nation.
Many political watchers have classed this election year as the "Year of the Angry Voter."
David Lee '95, president of the Young Democrats, said this election will be a decisive battle -- control of the both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives may switch hands with the impending elections.
The local and state races in New Hampshire symbolize the issues and problems most voters want to see addressed.
Jim Brennan '96, acting co-president of the Conservative Union at Dartmouth, said he was disappointed with the negative campaigning in New Hampshire races.
"Many of the political announcements have been down and dirty," he said. "These announcements could greatly affect voter turnout."
Running for New Hampshire Governor are Republican incumbent Steve Merrill and Democratic challenger Wayne King.
"Right now, Merrill is enjoying a 40-point lead over his rival." Brennan said last night. "As it stands now, Merrill is the favorite to win tomorrow's election."
Lee said King has been unpopular with many voters since he introduced a state-wide tax reform. King has also run a campaign with less money than his opponent.
Other local races include the highly debated race for Congressional representative, which pits two local favorites -- Republican challenger Charles Bass and Democratic incumbent Dick Swett -- against each other.
"As of right now I feel that Swett will win. It's a definite toss up though," Brennan said. "Swett has a small edge over his opponent and if he does win it will only be by a small margin."
Lee, who has worked extensively with the Swett campaign, said he is looking to see Swett defeat Bass in the election. He said many people are following the race because Swett is a Democratic incumbent in a very conservative state -- and it is a time when anti-incumbent sentiment has heightened.
Many lobbying groups have contributed to Bass's campaign, including the National Rifle Association, which gave the third-highest out of state contribution to help halt Swett's bid for re-election.
Also on the New Hampshire ballot today is Justin Heather '96, who is vying for one of four state representative seats.
Key national races include Republican Rick Santorum against Democrat Harris Wofford for state senator in Pennsylvania and the highly contested battle for state senator in Virginia between Republican Ollie North and Democrat Chuck Robb.
As for predications on some of the national races, Brennan said, "The Republicans will retake the Senate tomorrow. Most people seem to be favoring Republicans. The Senate seems to be a definite lock."
Lee gave a less optimistic prediction for the democrats, saying he understands that there will be a few seats lost but that is to be expected.
Both Lee and Brennan encouraged students to vote in tomorrow's election.
