In a Republican gubernatorial primary in the 1980’s in Arizona, the Arizona State Speaker of the House was running against an individual who owned a used car dealership.  All the public opinion polls published by the mass media showed that the Speaker of the House would easily win the primary election.  He did not.

In the Presidential election of 1948, the public opinion polls showed that Harry S. Truman would lose the election.  He did not.  Why the inaccuracy?


The headline for an article printed in the Peoria Journal Star (October 15, 2006, page B3) reads “Poll puts Blagojevich (Illinois Democratic governor running for reelection against Republican Judy Baar Topinka—my addition) lead at 14 percent.”

The headline for an article printed in the Peoria Journal Star (November 2, 2006, page A1) reads “Poll: Blagojevich just ahead of Topinka.”  The subhead reads “Copley News sampling finds candidates separated by 4 percentage points.”  How did Republican challenger Judy Baar Topinka gain 10 percentage points in less than three weeks?  Did she pick up 10 percentage points?

What will be the final election result?


I’ve said this before.  It is worth repeating:  


A PUBLIC OPINION POLL HAS NEVER VOTED IN AN ELECTION!


A PUBLIC OPINION POLL HAS NEVER VOTED IN AN ELECTION!


A PUBLIC OPINION POLL HAS NEVER VOTED IN AN ELECTION!



No one who has opposition has yet won in the electoral process.  Few basketball “experts” predicted that Bradley would defeat both Kansas and Pittsburg during the NCAA tournament.  Some “experts” even complained that Bradley was not qualified to be a part of the tournament.  Few experts, after the regular season, predicted that the St. Louis Cardinals would win the World Series this year.  The vote on Tuesday is the only true test of the support each candidate has for public office.  The vote Tuesday is the only public opinion poll that counts.  Your vote does make a difference.  VOTE!


My vote for the Illinois Governor race:


There are four choices:

• Don’t vote at all for Governor.  At least one conservative group is supporting this option.  I have a hard time not voting for every position.  I considered this choice and have rejected it.  By not voting, I allow only those who do vote to make the decision.  A decision that is far too important to not be involved in.  Not voting is the same as giving up.  I try not to do that.  I will be voting for the office.
• Vote for the Green Party candidate.  The Green Party traditionally is even more libertine than the Democratic Party.  Plus, third party candidates rarely actually win.  A vote for a third party candidate is normally the same as not voting although such a vote might change the outcome of the election.  Third Party voting in 1992 and 1996 might have been one of the reasons Bill Clinton won twice.  I’m ashamed to say that I voted for him both times.  I’m going to try to not make the same mistake of helping the PARTY OF SIN to win by my vote.  I will not be voting for the third party candidate.
• Vote for Democratic governor Blagojevich.  That WILL NOT HAPPEN.  He is one of the most irresponsible governors I have ever known or read about.  He creates programs, almost as a bribe to the people, but does not adequately fund them.  Appearance becomes more important than substance.  He issues obscene executive orders that would not be passed by the legislature.  He is a supporter of the murder of unborn babies.  He will not receive my vote.
• Vote for Republican candidate Topinka.  This unfortunately is the lesser of the three evils.  I did not vote for her in the primary.  Since there is no fourth candidate, she will reluctantly receive my vote.  If she supports evil, we will need to vote her out of office in four years.  Four years with her though will not be as evil (that unfortunately is a sad commentary) as four years with the other two candidates.  Topinka will grudgingly receive my vote.

Whomever you decide to vote for, vote Tuesday.  No public opinion poll will be voting.  You, as a citizen of this nation, will make the final decision.  Not voting is also a decision.  It is a decision to allow others to vote for you.  Pray for guidance.  Vote accordingly.  Remember:


“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6: 7-8 (NIV)