Below are some general reflections on last night.
President
For better for worse, this county voted and the strength of our democracy prevailed. This is a historic moment with the first African American being elected President and by an overwhelming majority. For those of you who happened to make it out last night, I ended up outside the White House with about a 1,000 other people to that chants of “Obama,” “Yes we can,” and “nah nah nah nah nah, good bye.”
It is important for all of us to remember that George Bush is still the President and a man who served this country for 8 years. While we may differ on his policies we should still give him the respect that a person of his service deserves.
Senate
It was unfortunate to hear of Sen. Sununu’s defeat in NH. He was a moderate New England Republican and is the latest casualty since Lincoln Chaffee.
Also, keep your eye on Minnesota. Al Franken and incumbent Senator Norm Coleman are not entering into an automatic recount with Coleman’s lead being about 1,000 votes.
House
As was expected the Democrats had huge gains, however, I think it is important to note that Rep. Chris Shays of Connecticut, the last remaining Republican representative from New England failed to hold on to his seat.
- Timothy Little, Editor-in-Chief
Your point about John Sununu and Chris Shays is well-taken. Political geography and political parties are very stratified right now, especially for the faltering GOP. Republicans are demanding ever-more-ideological candidates and paying the price for it by 1) nominating people too conservative for their constituency and 2) causing independent-minded Republicans a world of headache by weighing down their reputations and identifying them with the Sarah Palins of the world.
On the other hand, Maine still seems to be happy with its centrist-leaning Republican ladies.