If you're a Republican, you're probably despairing about the presidential race.
But there are a few bright spots, especially here in California.
First, it looks like conservative icon Tom McClintock is headed to Washington, D.C. With 96% of the vote in up north, it looks like he's winning 50.5 to 49.5 percent. UPDATE: 1:58 a.m. I may have spoken too soon. Now all the precincts are in and McClintock is beating Brown by a mere 451 votes, which means this is headed to provisionals and late absentees.
Second, Proposition 8 looks like it's going to win, preserving the traditional definition of marriage at least until the next initiative campaign.
Third, Arnold Schwarzenegger's redistricting initiative, Proposition 11, is winning by a narrow margin. If it passes, that means that Democrats won't have control of the Legislative redistricting in 2011.
Fourth, Democrats did not get a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority in the Senate. Mitch McConnell did not get Daschled. Incumbents Gordon Smith, Norm Coleman and the convicted Ted Stevens are all in close races and may still win. If they do, the Dems are left at 56 senators, or 5 pickups -- far fewer than they expected. Take away Lieberman, and they have 55, the same number Republicans had four years ago.
Fifth, it looks like the Dems gained a net of 14 in the House of Representatives, far fewer than the 25-30 that many were predicting. Day after story: where were the Obama coattails? Morning update: More like 19 pickups.
So cheer up, Republicans. It could be worse.
But there are a few bright spots, especially here in California.
First, it looks like conservative icon Tom McClintock is headed to Washington, D.C. With 96% of the vote in up north, it looks like he's winning 50.5 to 49.5 percent. UPDATE: 1:58 a.m. I may have spoken too soon. Now all the precincts are in and McClintock is beating Brown by a mere 451 votes, which means this is headed to provisionals and late absentees.
Second, Proposition 8 looks like it's going to win, preserving the traditional definition of marriage at least until the next initiative campaign.
Third, Arnold Schwarzenegger's redistricting initiative, Proposition 11, is winning by a narrow margin. If it passes, that means that Democrats won't have control of the Legislative redistricting in 2011.
Fourth, Democrats did not get a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority in the Senate. Mitch McConnell did not get Daschled. Incumbents Gordon Smith, Norm Coleman and the convicted Ted Stevens are all in close races and may still win. If they do, the Dems are left at 56 senators, or 5 pickups -- far fewer than they expected. Take away Lieberman, and they have 55, the same number Republicans had four years ago.
Fifth, it looks like the Dems gained a net of 14 in the House of Representatives, far fewer than the 25-30 that many were predicting. Day after story: where were the Obama coattails? Morning update: More like 19 pickups.
So cheer up, Republicans. It could be worse.
...grasping at five straws...I'm surprised you didn't mention the new Republican Party leader...Sarah Palin...jeeze...best of luck in 2012...