And there are also the new players on the field, like Tom Cotton in Arkansas, Cory Gardner in Colorado, David Perdue in Georgia, Thom Tillis in North Carolina, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, and of course Joni Ernst in Iowa.
Which sadly gives the Republicans control over the Senate.
In some places we still don't know who will eventually take the Senate seat like in Louisiana (But it doesn't look good.), in New Hampshire (There is does look good.), Virginia, and in Alaska (Senator Begich is behind by a few thousands votes. Color me worried.)
What happened last night was extremely painful to watch, and I have nothing but bad feelings for what the next two years will look like, but all we can do at this point is focus on 2016 and make damn sure we have our act together and our troops inspired for the fierce battle that we know awaits us.
In other news recreational Marijuana sales were legalized in Oregon, Washington, D.C., and yes, even Alaska.So that's some good news.
Speaking of Alaska it looks as if Parnell might be getting the heave ho, but that 'Teflon" Don Young remains the Alaska's sole representative.
All in all here in the Great Land it was a mixed bag. But then again when have Alaska politics ever been easy to characterize?
Update: Alaska also voted to raise the minimum wage and to pass a ballot measure that would allow Alaska legislators to ban any proposed mining in Bristol Bay. Good-bye Pebble Mine.
WTF?!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteRJ in Brownbackistan
About the Senate: Doesn't PBO have VETO power?
DeleteHe can use his sharpie to veto,veto,veto? Right?
He can be a GOP Obstructionist!
I think the elections were rigged. I saw that people were ahead (like the D for gov of FL) and then they weren't. The states need to get rid of the Diebold machines.
It's discouraging.
DeleteI thought his tax cuts were crippling the state? The only next step is to steeply cut services, which is what the goal was all along? At what point will that be so counter-productive that Democrats will take over? Or is the electorate so brainwashed or so stupid? I thought Kansas was mid-Western solid common-sense? Where is Alf Landon now that you need him?
DeleteI live in WI and Walker won, which is so disturbing. I'm really depressed today. I can't turn on the tv. I can only imagine what our country is going to go through over the next 2 years.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know how Walker has evaded criminal charges so far?! Are the Koch Bros. paying to cover those up, too?
DeleteAs far as the GOP goes, there's a lot of turmoil inside the party that will lead to problems. Too many of those idiots want to be leading the party. Cruz wouldn't say whether or not he'd vote for McConnell for Majority Leader. Sounds good to me, let them battle it out. The more problems among the GOP, the less time they'll have to try to harm the country.
Anonymous at 6:26am. I live in WI, too, one of the bluest parts, Milwaukee's east side. Walker's re-election is disturbing. Let's stay strong. I'm sending you positive vibes.
DeleteJennifer K
Just read an article that touts Walker as one of the leading candidates for the Republican nomination for President in 2016 now. WTF !!!
DeleteSomething is very wrong. Crist was ahead in Florida, then lost? McConnel had to PAY people to attend his rallys, and HE won? I live in Illinois, and am sick about Rauner winning the governorship. He wants to raise taxes, cut his taxes, fire 1 of every 6 teachers, cut minimum wage. How in the HELL did he win? I am sick about this entire fiasco. It HAD to be rigged. The Dems. should come up with new ways to vote, tamperproof ways. For the next 2 years, make sure EVERYONE has an I.D. to vote, and a way to get to the polls. Otherwise we could be looking at President Cruz, the ugly Canadian in office.
DeleteI'm from Wi too. I can't believe we have so many idiots here...
DeleteYes, the Democrats had their asses handed to them last night, but all we can do is get back up and shake off the dust and keep on keeping on.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, and we can watch the R's have their civil war. Yes, there is a huge divide in the Republican party and now that they actually have to govern, instead of just obstruct and be the party of no, things are going to get interesting.
And Palin will want to lead, and encourage, the obstruction from the sidelines.
DeleteTime for the Democrats to obstruct and be the Party of NO.
DeleteWhy does my ass hurt this morning?
ReplyDeleteIs that you Todd?
DeleteNo, it is I, Bristles. Had a really rough date again last night. It was very much like the Throwdown at the Hoedown. Grass stains all over my ass. I am trying to remember if I had my kids along or not. Can't find any of them today.
DeleteEven Ron Paul thinks these results will definitely have the U.S. involved in war.
ReplyDeleteDisturbing results. It's shocking. Not even one of those fakes toppled; thinking of Rick Scott, ewww, It comes down to what the voters want, and this is what they want.
But, that old adage of 'be careful of what you wish for, because you might get it' comes to mind.
Why hasn't Alaska called a win for Walker yet? Why do these races have to be so close?
I am in Texas and we just lost big-time too. I am seriously afraid for what the next 2 years will bring here.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, in Oregon, marijuana is legal and we don't give a shit what's in the food we eat.
ReplyDeleteThe GMO labeling is still too close to call unless you have some inside info
DeleteCheer up folks ...
ReplyDeleteThe Palins are still a bunch of uneducated drunken brawlers, Bristol is still a slut and Sarah's pay-me blog has dropped to new low at Alexa rankings (#233,291).
Life is good.
Thank you, that actually helps a little.
DeleteShe's so inconsequential I could NOT give a shit.
DeleteShe fucking hates this country and these results make her giddy.
Fuuuuck
What a shitty hangover!
And then miss mcconnell, the crypt keeper, found the balls to say that "we have an obligation to work together in Washington." After his intransigence for the past 6 years, that sounds more like a threat.
ReplyDeleteQuit using such big words, Chenagrrl, $arah can't keep up!
Deletelol, now when mitch attempts to get things done cruz's top priority will be to take turtle's leadership away. what goes around comes around.
DeleteMitch the Bitch is happy he gets to go back to DC to his lover, the young male intern.
DeleteOne can only hope that the extremists on the Right drive the more sensible ones to the middle to work things out with the Democrats.
ReplyDeleteThis also means that there won't likely be any campaign finance reform since it benefited the Republicans so well. Also, watch for further attempts to mess with people's right to vote.
And this is likely to confirm their worst fears: President Hillary Clinton.
Our situation seems bleak. But there are always surprise developments and Cruz is not that well liked. If he carries on as he tends to, expect some turmoil on the right.
M from MD
The Christian Taliban is happy this morning, as they think their coalition is one step closer to forcing their militan flavor of ignorance and oppression on the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteWe can look forward to more bills in the House and Senate in favor of banning birth control, throwing LBGT folks in jail, making abortions illegal and punishable by prison time, , and starting more wars, Hoohah!
The one bulwark standing in their way is the veto pen of President Obama.
I'm sure the Peepond is celebrating today, and are foaming at the mouth in anticipation of trying to overturn the ACA.
I'm sure they are now convinced that the Queen of Thonghazi is going to run for President. Good luck with that Peebots, because $arah cares one hell of a lot more about stealing your grocery money that actually working.
Remember ThongGhazi. HOOOHAHH
It's a nightmare how apathetic our electorate is!
ReplyDeleteNot to mention unintelligent!
DeleteShaking my head this morning. I hope to dog that Cpt. Zero finally gets the boot, though. Right now Walkers' lead is just barely over one percentage point. Scary.
ReplyDeleteGoodbye social security. Thanks repubs...
ReplyDeleteSo sad for your country today. Depressing to see that the American voter bought into the fear propaganda that the Regressive Party was peddling.
DeleteTo Anonymous7:22 AM:
DeleteThe American Democrat did not buy into anything, they just did not turn out to vote. Sadly Dems. voters do not turn out to vote in mid-term elections, like Repubs. do.
You are hilarious, Gryphen!!!
ReplyDeleteGryphen 9:11 PM
"On Sarah Palin's Facebook page she is taking so many victory laps that she is in danger of having her red naughty monkey pumps burst into flames."
Here are some of Palin endorsements who have lost or are losing...
Rob Maness Louisiana Senate (no shocker there in spite of Palin's pronouncements)
Dan Bongino -- Maryland 6th
Clint Didier -- Washington 4th
One of the many things I admire about our President is that he does not allow himself the luxury of becoming demoralized or discouraged. He looks for ways to act.
ReplyDeleteThere is almost always more that can be done in any situation than we perceive at first.
Yeah! Just say no! President Obama, and wait it out, unfortunately as the world burns up, more wars are fought & inequality takes another bite out of the dwindling middle class.
DeleteSHAME on you Americans who let this happen & that includes the Democrats who didn't applaud Obama's calm Lincolnesque genius & all the good he has done & is trying to do.
Although .... how many of these contests were won through GOP gerrymandering, voter suppression and ballot box fraud & dark Koch-sucking money?
Where are the real journalists/pundits who can see that America is now a post-democractic country, thanks, also, to your Supreme Court's constribution-to- elections decision. Good luck reversing that now -- or getting ANY progression nominated.
Marijuana is now legal in Alaska? Does that mean those Palin kids may open up shop? So the meth bill didn't pass in Wasilla? Well that's good news for most good families in Wasilla and bad news for one.
ReplyDeleteLet's not forget Palin's gloating comment from May 2014...
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/sarahpalin/posts/10152410312068588
"C’mon now, guys. This gloating among establishment Republicans calls for the same reprimand we parents offer 12-year-olds who scuffle on the playground. I often remind my young daughter, especially, after her ball games, of the importance of being considerate and gracious in both victory and defeat."
Thanks for the reminder and link. Sarah Palin has never held herself accountable to the standards she applies to others.
DeleteWhat a crock!! She does not even know the meaning of those words. Gracious? $carah?
DeleteI can't wait to see what excuses the Rethugs come up with for doing nothing. Now they have the chance to put into place all the policies they keep yakking about and couldn't because President Obama wouldn't let them, oh right, they have no policies, only whining. Too bad because President Obama could have gotten some great changes made in the next two years.
ReplyDeleteLet's see what they bring to the table-impeachment, sue the president, boots on the ground ( Cheney will be happy that Haliburton will make more money), shut down the government and continue the war on women. After all they are only "working" 113 days next year.
I am glad MI came through and didn't elect that teabagger Terri La La Land. Gary Peters had President Obama come and campaign for him, so maybe the democrats that lost should have done the same!!!
-------------------------
"The Same Voters Who Gave Republicans The Senate Are Ready For Hillary Clinton To Be President"
.....One imagines Ms Clinton texting last night, “GOP wave? LOL. See you boys in 2016.”
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/11/05/beacon-hope-exit-polls-show-hillary-clinton-blowing-republicans-water.html
It's true, all they've done is bitch & moan for the last 6 years. Well, now we've given them the wheel let's see how they do. I predict an even more ineffective congress as the in-fighting will prevent even less getting done. I certainly don't predict congress's popularity to increase.
DeleteNews flash... Palin just broke her arm patting herself on the back
ReplyDeleteGryphen, I'm not sure why you say good-bye Pebble Mine. What if we have a legislature that is controlled by the same guys who are getting Sullivan elected? I would almost rather have more federal overreach. Not sure I understand all of that but am nervous about giving Alaska legislature any power at all right now ... feel pretty underrepresented there myself. Worry a LOT about education now. Religious schools must be salivating.
ReplyDeleteDon't know why the skank is so happy. She did not help the circus......she is the toxic waste the r's were trying to rid. Anyway. It is a very bad sad and terrible day in America. Don't know? who the heck voted? How does a zero percent party and the worst political party in history of usa, steal an election? own the voting machines? rig the vote somehow? It is a crime and America has just been raped and abused.
ReplyDeleteSomething STINKS to high heaven about this "election" Too bad we do not have a real reporter in the group that fawns over the gop. We have stenographers, no investigative reporters.
DeleteYAY about Pebble Mine!
ReplyDeleteLesson: people want DEM policies, they voted heavily for raising min wage and legal weed and no to personhood, when you give them the clear choice they choose US, when you run away from the Presiden't success you lose.
There is a lemonade to be made from this lemon. No one but a couple of desperadoes wanted Sarah to campaign this year. You will remember that establishment R's blamed her in part for helping some not ready for primetime candidates win their primaries in 2010 and 2012. Remember legitimate rape, the witch and Sharon 2nd amendment among other nutcases?
ReplyDeleteSo, this year, I think the R's made a concerted effort to keep old Sarah out of the election. Wise move and it worked. So, in the R victory is a defeat for the skank and she is too stupid to even know it. No one wants her; she is poison to the R's getting elected and everyone knows it.
No doubt she called many to offer to campaign, maybe for free even, so desperate was she. But no one wanted her, not even Ohio Dan and the pig lady, etc....
And now in the next couple of months, people are going to start declaring for President and no one is going to want Sarah to support them.
So, the phone is not ringing for Sarah. And she is becoming more and more irrelevant to the Republican party in general and Republicans specifically.
So, I will take this loss when it means the win of our now bipartisan goal of making Sarah go away. No one wants her, and she, as dumb as she is, might realize this by Spring time.
Mitch's TO DO LIST:
ReplyDelete1. Impeach President / install self as Supreme Leader
2. Restore Pre-existing conditions and cancel anytime clauses
3. Institute Poor Tax
4. Ban sex among the commoners
5. Start World War Three
(p.s. note to self: buy more munitions company stocks, first)
Why was Connie Chung standing behind yertle?
DeleteKoch Bros. won; America lost.
ReplyDelete(Maybe both of those old farts will croak well before 2016)
Unfortunately they have children, who knows they might want to own the USA also.
DeleteIn the 'tiny bit of good news' category, Zach Dasher, Palin's pick for LA 5th Congressional District, is out of the race.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/politics/2014/11/04/th-congressional-district-mayo-abraham-runoff/18510103/
I was sick watching the results last night and cannot imagine the Hell that President Obama is going to experience w/these horrible folks in Congress.
ReplyDeleteWhat is wrong w/Americans? I don't believe for one bit they will want to 'work' with President Obama. John McCain head of the 'war' committee (not total name of it, but close!) - that will be just wonderful as he's proven himself to be a war monger. We are totally fucked!
I feel sick - this reminds me way too much of election night 1980.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing between us and complete disaster now is Obama's veto pen. But I don't trust him to use it, nor do I trust Senate Dems to obstruct Senate Repugs the way Repugs obstructed them.
I just read the AK elections results may not be final for 2 weeks. Is there any hope Begich make up his 9000 vote deficit from outstanding mail-in ballots?
ReplyDeleteBegich history is that he always pulls his races out in the end. He always mentions it and he did again last night. He's looking for the vote in northern Alaska - native population/villages, etc. plus absentee ballots to be counted. My vote for him is in an absentee ballot and I sincerely hope there are many more for him.
DeleteHe truly is a great guy - have known him for years - Anchorage Assembly, Anchorage Mayor and as Senator in the U.S. Congress. He's worked hard for Alaskans - has worked w/Lisa Murkowski (who I think will have a difficult time being reelected too!) across the aisle and has a good, good record.
He could pull this out!
Unfortunately they already have a plan to counter the veto. They said they'd attach the awful things they want to must-pass bills, like budget and defense funding. A veto would shut down the government (Obama's fault) or cripple the bation's defense (Obama's fault). Sickening.
ReplyDeleteAlaska also voted to raise the minimum wage and to pass a ballot measure that would allow Alaska legislators to ban any proposed mining in Bristol Bay.
ReplyDelete-------------
Ah, but WILL they?
Mildred
Good question. The ballot measure doesn't allow the legislature to outright ban mining. It means the Pebble Mine folks must convince the legislature that their plan won't endanger the salmon.
DeleteI also wonder about Bill Walker whose policy statement on Pebble Mine leaves a great big opening for him to change his mind.
"Walker has a position statement on his website regarding the Pebble Mine. It says clearly, “Based on the information available to me now, I do not support the Pebble Mine.”"
http://juneauempire.com/opinion/2014-10-26/my-turn-when-doubt-vote-bipartisanship#.VFp6mYfHKf0
I find it absolutely amazing that Republicans won in such a huge number across the nation. The majority using our wonderful POTUS as their fall guy? What is wrong with Americans? So many voted against their best interest in electing some of the folks they have.
ReplyDeleteWill Republicans really stop obstructing as McConnell led the fight to do during these recent past years? I honestly don't think so. They are setting President Obama up - in their speeches - as to his veto power on Bills that will supposedly land on his desk. They'll put amendments in them that will be very detrimental to Americans, but things President Obama might want. Frightening to say the least!
President Obama is going to need our support more than ever now. I detest the Republican party! Don't trust them as far as I can throw them. McConnell especially! The only fun thing to watch will be McConnell having to deal w/Cruz!
Deja vue: www.bradblog.com/?p=10917
ReplyDeleteJust WHEN will the Dems wake up and INSIST on getting rid of all those untraceable voting machines???
President Obama said it best. "To all the democrats who came out and voted, I say "Thank You" and to the three quarters who stayed home, I say "Thank You as well". I'm sure he meant much stronger words, but it's true. We democrats, for the most part, are our own worst enemies. I voted in every election, no matter how big or small since I turned 18, and I'll do it till the day I die. The only thing I ask is for those who sat it out, don't complain, you got the government you asked for and deserve.
ReplyDeleteDemocratic voters are a sorry lot, and are the first one to complain. It it so hard to get their asses to vote. Even when they can vote at home by absentee.
DeleteI am disgusted to be a Democrat.
Again, unless they have 60 votes, they don't control the Senate.
ReplyDeleteIf the Democrats will start to grow a pair and a backbone, they can filibuster and use every obstructionist play they've endured from the Republicans for the last six years to obstruct the next two years.
That's what *I* would do if I was the minority leader.
I never liked Harry Reid. Pelosi knew what she was doing. Reid is a namby pamby of only average intelligence.