Over the past three weeks, we've asked our contestants to show their versatility as modern pundits. They've had to blog on deadline, field live questions from readers and debate each other on video. For today's challenge, the finalists are going back to basics. We've asked them each to craft an op-ed column that shows off their writing style, their smarts and their unique point of view. Read the columns below. And then cast your vote for who should win the competition, the title and a contract with The Post. Polls are open Monday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET until Tuesday at noon ET. (UPDATE: Monday, 3 p.m.: Because The Post's blogs are experiencing slower-than-usual loading times, and because we want to make sure everyone can read the columns we're asking them to vote on, pundit contest voting has been extended until Tuesday at noon ET.)

Rule of lawlessness

The Tea Party and the Obama administration have undermined basic democratic tenets.

Misreading the mandate

On Tuesday, the nation won't be speaking with one voice, so the message will be mixed.

Stop the insanity

It's more fun to be an extremist. Yet most of our problems won't be solved unilaterally.