The following are 10 lessons of the '98 election from a non-pundit's perspective:
* Politicians, like children, shouldn't play with matches.
* We take our Constitution seriously, and don't want it used for political purposes.
* We desperately need campaign finance reform.
* If politicians act like buffoons, we might as well elect the "real thing" - a professional wrestler.
* Pundits are like weathermen: They're better at rationalizing their screw ups, than predicting the future.
* It's much easier to criticize than to lead. Ask Newt Gingrich.
* Politics is the art of compromise and fighting for the center.
* Politicians are the least likely people to legislate morality.
* Election campaigning shouldn't be mere food fights.
* Thank God for We The People.