John Austin: There was quite a moment at the Austin household yesterday. No, not my household, but the senior Austin's in Hayden. My parents, diehard D's who first voted for Truman as newlyweds, could find NO reason to vote in today's election. No truly contested D races, either local or State, to intrigue them. So, I suggested the novel idea of voting Republican in the primary, where most local races will be decided. At that point, the look on my Dad's face indicated I was no longer in the family trust. So, he probably won't be voting today. This from a man who served his country 20 years as an Air Force officer, to ensure we all have the right denied to so many in his lifetime. My mother, who's never voted for an R before, may be persuaded, however. She said "Would I have to register as a...republican?" stating the last word as if it was poison. No, I said, and God help us if we ever do. Of course, now she's worried she'll have to go under the cloak of camouflage, just in case her D friends are voting at the same time. And, the Chevy won't pass muster, either, she feels. Anybody got a spare Hummer on 'em?

DFO: Wonderful story, JohnA; thanks for the day-brightened to kick things off here.

---

---