Charles Shiflett Column January 1, 2006

Predictions For 2006

Gather 'round boys and girls and call your bookies. Santa brought me a new crystal ball and I can't
wait to use it. First things first though, as I look back at last year's predictions to see how I did.

Misses: I blew it when I predicted a decent snowfall for last winter. I'm afraid that was just wishful
thinking on my part. I also thought the county board of education would have a tougher time reaching a
consensus on a new superintendent than they did. Additionally, the Federal Reserve raised interest
rates more times than anticipated.

Hits: The Braves came through, winning their division, but not making it to the World Series just as
predicted. I also nailed it as Bush attempted to push Social Security reform without success. There
were also some anticipated victories as Congress worked to extend some of the Bush tax cuts.

The Iranian nuclear issue moved to the forefront as expected. And the state legislature, under GOP
control for the first time, had a successful session… passing several pieces of legislation I expected
would come out.

OK, my arm is getting tired from patting myself on the back, so let's dig into 2006. The winning Mega
Millions numbers for this coming Tuesday are… just kidding! You don't think I would give that away do
you?

• Governor: Cathy Cox defeats Mark Taylor in the Democrat primary election for the right to challenge
Governor Sonny Perdue. Perdue beats Cox in November 53% to 47%.

• Michael Thurman enters and wins the Democrat primary election for lieutenant governor. Meanwhile
Ralph Reed's lobbying problems continue to drag his campaign down. Either he loses to Casey Cagle
in the Republican primary, or he and Thurman go down to the wire in November. If Cagle wins the GOP
primary, he will defeat Thurman 52% to 48%.

• State House: Jeff Lewis picks up a GOP primary challenger again, but hangs on… again. Barry
Loudermilk had a very successful first year in the state house. That success coupled with his strong
grass roots organization will prevent anyone from mounting a serious challenge. Tom Graves will
defeat a GOP challenger in the primary.

• State Senate: Bill Heath coasts to a second term in the senate. Meanwhile, trouble looms for
Preston Smith. There's a strong possibility that Preston won't run or will be challenged in the GOP
primary. Overall, the GOP maintains a majority in both the state house and senate.

• Legislation: Watered down immigration reform will pass the state legislature, as will middle of the
road eminent domain legislation. Growing state tax revenues will spark a battle between those who
wish to cut taxes and those who want to increase state spending… look for a little of both.

• Education: The state GOP needs to make nice with an education establishment that helped put
them in power, so teachers get a raise this year. Look for increased overall spending for education.

• Congress: Phil Gingrey pulls only token opposition and easily keeps his congressional seat. Former
Republican congressman Mac Collins will challenge Democrat incumbent Jim Marshall in a south
Georgia congressional race that will be too close to call.

• Republicans keep their majorities in both the U.S. Senate and House. President Bush regains
enough political capital to launch a couple of domestic policy initiatives, though he avoids Social
Security reform or a drastic overhaul of the federal tax code.

• Despite a lot of posturing, immigration reform at the national level will consist of just a few bandages
as Democrats in the U.S. Senate block any real effort at stopping the ongoing flood of illegals entering
from Mexico.

• Barring a calamity in the Middle East such as could be triggered by a preemptive Israeli strike
against Iran's nuclear program, the U.S. economy will stay strong. This may prompt one more interest
rate hike from the Federal Reserve during 2006. Look for the Dow to close 2006 above 11,500.

• With our attention focused on Islamic terrorism, relations with several Central and South American
nations will rapidly deteriorate. Look for Condi Rice to make several overtures in that part of the world.

• Thankfully gasoline prices will rock along with slight drifts up and down, but staying within a stone's
throw of $2.00 a gallon.

• General Motors avoids bankruptcy as it restructures. Look for its newly redesigned SUV lineup
debuting this spring to be a big hit.

Now about that snow… call Glen Burns, because I give up. Happy New Year!