Watching the election results last night was much more enjoyable than watching the returns two years ago. It is reassuring to see that so many Americans have come to their senses and realized that lies, corruption and bigotry do not deserve our vote (too bad it took the loss of so many lives in Iraq to bring this message home). The Democrats have taken the House and now it looks like they have taken the Senate as well. About the only frustration last night was listening to the Repug's talking heads on CNN talk about Santorum (after his loss) as a "champion of the poor" and a "great and kind soul." Just typing those words makes me feel slightly ill.
This morning I was wokring out this post in my head. I was going to write about the fight ahead. The Senate power was still up for grabs, with Montana and Virginia too close to call. Nobody was going to give it up easily. In both states in appeared that the Democratic challenger had the most votes, but it was close enough that recounts could be in order. I was going to implore the Democrats to come out strong. They need to declare their two candidates, Webb and Tester, winners and refuse to refer to them as anything other than Senator-elect from this point forward. If the elections ends up in the hands of state legislature, which is a likely outcome from any recount, public perception is a powerful tool. The Democrats need to make it appear that they clearly won and the Repugs are just trying to steal their victories. In 2000 G.W. Bush had the power of public opinion on his side. The Democrats cannot let that repeat itself here.
Now, however, that all might not be necessary. CNN has called Tester (Senator-elect Tester, that is) as the winner in Montana and, although it does not appear to be official, he has a big enough lead to preclude any recount. Senator-elect Webb is holding a few thousand vote lead in Virginia, which is likely to withstand any recount. Although it may be a while until everything there is official, Allen would have to wait until at least November 27th to request a recount, there are now rumors that Allen may not even pursue a challenge. Given the focus it would draw to the vote there and the charges of improper election activity, it might be smarter for the Repugs to just call this one a loss and let it go.
The only thing that gives me any reason to pause for concern is Lieberman's victory in CT. It was certainly not a surprise, but the close balance in the Senate gives Lieberman too much power. He has every reason to be upset at the party that threw him under the bus during the primary. He claims that he will vote as he is a Democrat, but I am not sure I believe him. He is smart enough not to officially change parties and become a Repug (right now he may be a powerful swing vote on many issues, not just another party member voting on party lines), but I would not be surprised if switching sides is looking more and more attractive these days.
I think the conventional wisdom is for the Democrats to try to mend wounds with Lieberman and woo him back to their side. I don't know if he will fall for that. I think the key here is whether or not he has plans to run again in six years. If he wants to continue in the Senate beyond this term, he cannot afford to slide very far to the right. The voters of CT are not likely to re-elect him if he becomes a Repug in everything but name. However, if re-election is not an issue, he gains a lot more freedom. I think the Democrats would be best served to actively try to marginalize him. He seems to enjoy the spotlight and power (what politician doesn't?), and if he can be pushed out of the spotlight he might fade away a bit.
Wishful thinking, I know. Everything else went right yesterday, so why not one more?
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