Post-Election Thoughts

Maybe a bit late in the game for post-election analysis but here it is. I actually went to an election party of sorts to watch the returns with a group of assorted right-wingers. I knew right off the bat it was going to be a long night for the GOP when the Maryland governor and senatorial races were called around 9pm (if not before). Seeing Rep. Hostettler get blown out in Indiana only served as further confirmation.

My reaction: No big deal. Seriously. While most of the people around me were fairly bummed out -- although there were cheers when Sen. Lincoln Chafee went down to defeat -- I didn't lose any sleep at all over the outcome. Now, individually there were a few Republicans I felt bad for -- mainly Rep. Chris Chocola and Sen. George Allen (who I thought was a great governor), collectively I have no sympathy.

Simply put, the GOP got what they deserved. Frankly I saw the outcome as a victory for democracy. Our legislators have to know that they will be held accountable. If the Republicans could put in such a miserable performance and still manage to buy off the voters I would have been very much worried. It would have been a validation of pork barrel politics and the K Street Project. For me the election was a hopeful sign that the American people are not for sale.