Jon Ralston on how the postelection political picture is coming into focus

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006 | 7:36 a.m.

What does the post-Campaign '06 world look like?

I have no idea about the specifics, as I pen this before a single result has come in - early deadlines, the bane of a columnist's existence!

But no matter which crippled governor-elect has won - and somehow the politically correct "handicapped" does not seem strong enough here - and no matter what evil lessers or lesser evils we have elevated up and down the ticket, we find these truths to be self-evident:

Bring the popcorn to Carson City and forget what it says before their names. Meet co-governors Barbara Buckley and Bill Raggio (assuming a miracle has not occurred and he is in the minority this morning). The new governor will surely not have a mandate and will have the highest negative rating of any statewide elected official.

Assembly Speaker Buckley and Senate Majority Leader Raggio, both legislative sharks, will smell blood. This will be the most fascinating legislative triangle in years - perhaps the most skillful legislator of this generation, perhaps the most powerful woman ever to serve in the capital and perhaps the most impotent chief executive ever to serve on Carson Street.

I can't wait to get there.

Campaign after campaign, candidates count on most voters being like the fellow in "Memento" - no short-term memory. Promise? What promise? The difference here is there are newspaper archives and videotapes. So, remember exactly what promises the federal candidates made on illegal immigration. If Congress actually manages to pass a comprehensive measure, let's see how many stick to their campaign propaganda.

Remember what the constitutional officers said they would do in their rookie years. Like most neophytes, they listened to those they thought were wiser (they are sometimes called campaign consultants) and said what they were told to say. Now it's time to perform.

I know you threw out most of those mail pieces you received in the final week. But dig them out of the trash as you watch legislators and local officials try to match their votes to their promises. You will be thinking recall or impeachment before long.

After the biennial whining about negative campaigns has subsided, the Gang of 63 could reduce the wails next time around. Three imperatives:

One, mandate that all campaign contributions be disclosed on the Internet within 24 hours (48 at most) of receipt. What could possibly be a compelling argument not to do so? Only an incumbent would know.

Two, pass an appointive system for the judiciary. It is time. Most voters cast ballots for judicial offices based on the ridiculous attack ads or name recognition or something even less salient. The Los Angeles Times series should have persuaded lawmakers. If it didn't, I am sure the newspaper will be back.

Three, regulate those automated phone calls. Make them disclose first, not last, who is calling and who paid for the solicitation. Voters should be more discerning. But since we can't compel thoughtful deliberation, let's at least force the spinners to identify themselves up front.

The best thing about the end of one political season - besides the end of one political season - is the beginning of a new one. And here we have two that begin today.

First, the minor one. The municipal election season officially begins and the Bill Walters Council is up for grabs, including the mayoralty. All right, Oscar Goodman has little chance to lose because no one would challenge him. (I never should have moved to Henderson!) But council control could be at stake in the other contests.

Second, the major election that begins today is for the White House. And Nevada is about to become a national player in presidential politics because of the early Democratic caucus.

The parade is about to begin. So get your rings ready to be kissed. For a time, everyone here can feel important - almost as important as pundits feel every day.