This morning Washington Journal featured Jennifer Duffey and Amy Walter, from the Cook Political Report; for my money, they are the two most knowledgeable political analysts working in the USA today. They are not flashy, but take what they say to the bank. If you have never heard of them, then you should definitely watch more C-SPAN.

Note: The Washington Journal link above will have today's show (Oct. 15) archived for about a week.

In terms of background, Duffey knows all things pertaining to gubernatorial races and senate contests; Walter knows all 435 Congressional districts in minute detail. Generally, Charlie Cook leans right politically, but the Cook report is scrupulously objective and always as on-target as one can be in these matters.

In brief, when pressed to prognosticate, here is what the ladies predicted:

Duffey on the
Senate: 51-49 (she would not/could not say who would be in the majority)
Governors: she predicted a 6-8 statehouse gain for the Dems

Walter on the
House: +17 pick-up for Dems (which would give them a razor-thin majority)

My view:
I think that is about right. I called the House for the Dems two weeks ago. I predict that the Senate will stay GOP. I cannot imagine Kyl losing in AZ. I have already picked Talent in MO (this is an emotional pick; I think Talent is a comer; if he makes it out of this election, he will grow to be an important and revered senator). I am picking Mike DeWine in OH on emotion as well. Duffey has MO and OH as toss-ups. DeWine and Talent would be monumental losses for the country. Therefore, I pick them to win. I hope; I hope.

Review of some of my former picks:

Texas Gov: Rick Perry (R)
Cal-E-for-nEa Gov: Arnold (R)
(Duffey has both of these as walk-aways)

Pennsylvania (senate): Casey
Virginia (senate): Allen

I promise a comprehensive list of my picks on all the essential races to follow (at some point before Election Day).