"Mark, if the Republicans take control of Congress, the Estate tax will be totally eliminated and the other GBW tax cuts will be reinstated - at least for 10 years minus one day - so deficits are not likely to decrease, even if government programs are cut."

But Genie, but you have to remember that the Bush tax cuts are in effect right now. They will end on December 31, no matter the outcome of the November elections. The earliest any changes could even be started - assuming the repubs gain control of both houses of congress - will be after the new congress is seated, sometime in January. So then this hypothetical republican congress will pass legislation in both senate and house and Obama will sign it!
NOT!
So to repeat - taxes will go up in January, regardless who wins in November.