Tribune editorial board

By the end of tonight, with a little luck and by the grace of God, campaign 2004 should be over - at least for most of the local races.

While teams of attorneys sharpen their claws in preparation for post-election clashes on the national political front, most folks expect the local and state elections to be closed with few, if any, hiccups.

And with that close, comes the overriding need for voters, campaign workers and supporters from all sides to put an end to the campaign divisiveness.

Throughout the campaign, the two sides of each and every race are heralded, almost encouraged, to point out their differences.

How better can we distinguish the two candidates than to promote them simultaneously and draw parallels between the two?

But once the polls close, the real key, the real unique part of our country's political system, truly comes to the forefront.

Each election year Americans from all across the country come together to celebrate one of the most incredible parts of our country - our careful, controlled exchange of power. Few other countries in the world can bring together its varied citizens into such a singular focus.

We do it every four years. That America manages to select its new leader each four years without violence is amazing.

Regardless of one's personal beliefs and convictions, once the votes are counted and the numbers are finalized the time for divisiveness is over.

In the days following the election we urge all citizens to work to set aside their differences and throw their full support behind the candidates who won the election.

Doing so will help speed up the healing process. In this modern, rushed world in which terrorists work night and day to destroy our freedoms, Americans do not have the luxury of time to worry about post-Election Day hard feelings.

When the votes are counted, it is time to move on with life in this free America.