| Here are a few of my observations and some links to follow
1. Virginia and New Jersey Gov's Races -
New Jersey - Corzine ran a very polarizing campaign and too personal against Christie. Voters wanted change and I'm not sure Corzine's personal wealth was ever really endearing. Anti-incumbent sentiment clearly in play.
Virginia - Dems gave up on Deeds due to his Blue Dog views. No enthusiasm near the end. Deeds should not have lost by as much as he did.
Here's a good wrap up by Nate Silver - he doesn't feel that either are a mandate on Obama
2. Gay Marriage in Maine - This is a tough one to take this morning. The Bangor Daily News reports
that the repeal passed by a 53 - 47 vote. This is not a long term defeat though. I believe that it is encouraging that 47% voted against the repeal. Anti voters were more enthusiastic in extremely rural areas of the state.
Not a terrible night for equality though. It looks like Referendum 71 in Washington passed extending benefits to same-sex partners
3. NY-23 - A pushback against the extreme conservative "rock stars" of the GOP. Owens success hinged on Scozzafava suspending her campaign and endorsing him. The voters rejected the national politics influence of Hoffman. This in my opinion was the race most closely resembled what is an affirmation or rejection of President Obama.
4. Mayoral Elections
Atlanta - Will be a runoff between Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed. Did racial lines define results ?
Quite possibly although Norwood performed well and above what expected in some African American precincts. The media will turn this into a referendum on race.
New York - Bloomberg was elected to a third term. But the vote was much closer than expected. Could Democrats have won his election if they had paid more attention? Should it have been a forgone conclusion that Bloomberg would win easily?
Charlotte - Anthony Foxx becomes the city's first Democratic Mayor in 20 plus years since Harvey Gantt.
Houston Runoff between City Controller Annise Parker and former City Attorney Gene Lock.
Anything else catch your eye?
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