sasa, i'm still not sure that a chavez party victory is our best hope because:

hugo is hell bent on dealing with socialist/communist countries even if it means his economy suffers...it's an ideaology problem.

maybe if he gets some serious opposition it would make him a little more agreeable....

in any case my main attention is directed to the bolivar state and rangel the rascal.....i dont think theres much chance he'll lose but if he did, it would be a massive blow to hugo.....and i've always had the sneaky suspicion that rangel does'nt want the locals working. he's old school (keep the peasants broke and drunk and they're easier to manipulate).....

who knows, maybe a new governor spouting off about how hugo is purposely delaying the work is just what we need...