A threat shadowing Republican candidates has been the fear that Republicans who dislike Donald Trump (and also can’t abide Hillary) won’t vote; if these ‘Ambivalent to Trump’ Republicans worried and fretted then stayed home on Election Day it looked like it could cost every Republican from Pat McCrory to a local School Board candidate votes no one can risk losing in a close election.

Well, yesterday, the ‘Early Voting’ reports came in and a lot of candidates heaved a sigh of relief: More Republicans voted early this year than four years ago. That’s not proof the ‘Ambivalent to Trump’ Republicans are heading for the polls – but Republican turnout going up not down is a good sign.

The second sign was a surprise – for Democrats: African American turnout – compared to four years ago – declined. Roughly 10% fewer African Americans voted ‘early’ this year. And if the trend holds up it could cost every Democrat, from Hillary to the bottom of the ballot, votes they can’t risk losing.

Two signs. Neither final. But both encouraging – for Republicans.