I'm not buying into anything Pat, really. I just get the feeling that certain elements are going beyond anyone's control. The ticket here in Maryland was certainly cross-Party, and for example the Teachers recommended 5 county commissioners with a mixed Democrat/ Repub spread. Same with the pro-environment people. My votes included members of both parties (gulp...I think I even voted for more Republicans this time..) because I decided to vote for the person(s) not the party. There was one Green Party candidate I liked, but he may not have a prayer. Still, I voted based upon what the candidates had stated as their position(s) on the issues. That is all.