The Death Toll

We didn't get back until about 4:30am Wednesday morning, and I have developed some sort of bad head cold from marching around in the wet and damp weather. My CR chapter worked our fingers to the bone, but failed to save Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R, PA-8) from the wave of apathy and discontent that swept the nation November 7, 2006. Fitzpatrick and his family are great people who this country can ill afford to lose as community representatives. It's going to take some time to digest the disaster, but here are some initial observations/notes of analysis on the past 48 hours:

• The GOP has taken a serious hit on the state government level, including 6 governorships in OH, MD, NY, CO, AR and MA. In addition to the direct effects yet to be felt on the local level via future legislation, the Republican infrastructure for a 2008 presidential campaign has been weakened.
• Republicans look to have lost 30 House seats, which while consistent with 6-year itch losses for the White House party, is still significant particularly in the age of gerrymandering. Some Republicans fully deserved to lose their seats; others (notably Mike Fitzpatrick) most certainly did not. Surprises included the loss of seats belonging to Republicans previously considered safe, including Melissa Hart in and JD Hayworth, who have now been unceremoniously tossed to the curb. A tiny bit of good news for Republicans is that they look to narrowly stay above the 200 mark, a psychologically important level of representation.
• Perhaps most disastrous is the Senate, where 7 seats appear to have fallen. Additionally, many great GOP challengers like Michael Steele never had a chance. A real shame. Losing two seats in "Dixie" also presents a serious demographic problem for the GOP.
  
• President Bush's life is a living hell. He has to present the State of the Union speech this winter with Nancy Pelosi grinning from behind. Rumsfeld's resignation is too late, and now appears to be more a sign of surrender than a response to a concerned electorate. Bush normally preforms best when his back is to the wall, but the Dems are now in the drivers seat and he will have to react.
• Washington, DC is about to get a lot more Democratic. Power changes result in mass firings, as the victors cut the losers funding for staff. Additionally, K Street will conform to match the new environment.

We'll discuss more in the coming days. For now, I need some Advil and a good night's sleep.