When either-or just won't cut it

Long before the Tea Party movement, Nevada lawmakers gave disgruntled voters a way to tell politicians to buzz off. You don't like any of the choices? Vote for "none of these candidates."

This year, the turnout for "none" could be a decisive factor in whether Sen. Harry Reid returns to power as Democratic majority leader. The race between Reid and Republican Sharron Angle is so close, and the disdain for both candidates so high, that the victor will likely triumph by a razor-thin margin or come in second to "none."

Reid, who has the most to lose in an anti-incumbent year, has to hope that a significant number of voters will vent their anger by voting "none" instead of for Angle. His campaign has vigorously tried to drive up negative impressions of Angle, a Tea Party conservative.

Angle's camp says Reid's tactics will backfire.

Though a number of states have toyed with adding "none" to their ballots, Nevada is the sole state gutsy -- or foolish -- enough to endure the consequences.

Should "none" outpoll everyone else, the candidate with the second-most votes wins.

Though "none" hasn't increased voter turnout since it was added to ballots in 1976, it has developed a loyal constituency. After all, "none" never begs for money or panders to lobbyists, never slings mud or lies about mistresses, and never flip-flops on issues.