When I went to bed last night, the House was squarely in Republican hands, but the Illinois and PA Senate races looked iffy. I wake today to see that both went Republican. Harry Reid survives, but his status as a machine politician gave him the oomph he needed to win.
A great, great night. Goodbye, Nancy. Goodbye, Mr. Etheridge, Mr. Klein, Mr. Kratovil, and half-the Blue Dogs. Goodbye Russ Feingold.
Republicans must learn from this election and ensure we get the BEST candidates on the field. The Senate losses in CT, DE, and NV are the direct result of substandard candidates.
Additionally, Republicans must grasp that this was not a vote of confidence in their leadership. It was a thoroughgoing repudiation of the leadership of Barack Obama, and at best, a "second chance" for Republicans to prove themselves.
Don't blow it.
Don't forget the State houses. That's huge! In NC guys like David Price and Brad Miller will no longer have the advantage of a gerrymandered district next cycle. If I had my way I'd draw the district so they were running against each other.
ReplyDeleteBut overall, it was a great night. Could have been better but I can't complain.
One more thing. I'm not too upset about Whitman losing to Jerry Brown in CA. The Democrats put CA on its ass so let the Dems fix the problem (good luck!). Let's just make damn sure they don't make it our problem.
I am curious about where you stand with regards to KY and Rand Paul's win there. The most relevant of the tea baggers wins big. Is a TP Caucus in the Senate (and House) the best way forward for the country?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Rand Paul won, thought I don't think he'll be my favorite member of the Senate--too libertarian for my taste.
ReplyDeleteI do not fear a Tea Party caucus in any way. Why would I? They want smaller government, less spending, abiding by the Constitution. What's not to like?
And the term, Adam G, is "Tea Partiers." "Tea bagger" is a term coined by the same demographic who repeatedly calls for civility in our public discourse. The same people who were so civil during the Bush Administration.
ReplyDeleteOnly one "teabagger" won as far as I know. That being one Barney Fwank.
ReplyDeleteI'm stealing your line Hammer
ReplyDeleteUh oh. There's some rumblings about Harry Reid's win in Nevada, might be some irregularities.
ReplyDeleteBy all accounts Harry spent every dime and called in every marker and the whole Democratic election grifter apparatus headed to Nevada for the "ground game". The Secretary of State in Nevada is a Soros flunkie so don't expect too much to come of it.
I was momentarily bothered by Harry winning, but really, having him as the face of the Democratic Senate leadership is really great for Republicans.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy. Dems still have the Senate, removing the 2012 election excuse that Obama would have used which is, "hey, I tried, but Congress sgut me down."
ReplyDeleteAnd if the President thought that being the President was a tough job with a Super-Majority, and the bought and paid for media genuflecting to him at every turn, to quote Tom Hanks as "Shaky" Jim Lovell in Apollo 13, "Stand by for a little jolt, fellas!" And he will have to exist in the construct as President Bush did.
I'm amazed some equate Republican wins with conservatism. In many cases they are incrementally a bit more conservative, but the R party has long ago proven itself just as screwed up as the D's.
ReplyDeleteI have hopes for the Tea Party and the Constitution party. Wish we had a one term limit like Franklin wanted.