Democrats were victorious nationwide Tuesday, gaining majorities in Congress reminiscent of the early 1990s. The silver lining is that perhaps 2010 will be reminiscent of 1994 as a result. In the House, Democrats picked up at least 18 seats, bringing their total to 254 as we went to press. Republicans retained only 173 seats, leaving eight seats undecided. Perhaps the most telling example of the tidal wave against the GOP in this year’s election was the fact that John Murtha held on to his seat, despite having called his constituents “racist,” and then apologizing and saying he meant to say “redneck.” Firebrand conservative columnist Ann Coulter had another word for them: “retards.” Indeed, Murtha’s challenger, retired U.S. Army Lt Col William Russell, managed only 42 percent of the vote.
In the Senate, Democrats picked up at least six seats for a majority of 57. Republicans are hanging on with 40 seats, though the Republican candidate leads in all three undecided races. Georgia’s Saxby Chambliss appears to be headed for a 2 December runoff with Democrat challenger Jim Martin after failing to gain 50 percent of the vote (Chambliss has garnered 49.9 percent so far). Minnesota’s Norm Coleman faces a recount in a stiff challenge from “comedian” Al Franken, who declared this week that “being a racist and a sexist was a good calling card for the Reagan administration.” Franken trailed the incumbent Republican by less than 300 votes as of Thursday night. Alaska’s Ted Stevens somehow is hanging on to a lead for his seat in spite of now being a convicted felon. If he wins, Republican leaders promise that he will either resign or be expelled. There are conflicting laws regarding whether Gov. Sarah Palin will appoint a replacement for Stevens, but both laws agree on holding a special election within 60 to 90 days. Still, if the GOP somehow comes away with 43 seats, it will still be tough for Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to keep “moderates” such as Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine from defecting.
The Democrats’ large majorities no doubt mean America is in for at least two years of full-steam-ahead socialism. Priorities include raising taxes on everyone (not just the wealthy, despite their promises to the contrary), even more severe environmental regulations, a policy of defeat in Iraq and Afghanistan and reviving the so-called “Fairness Doctrine” to stifle conservative objections to any of the above.
On the other hand, Republicans were beaten because they deserved it. Eight years of spending and generally behaving like drunken Democrats convinced Americans to vote for the real thing instead of the imitation. It’s safe to say that “compassionate conservatism” was an unmitigated disaster. If Republicans get back to their conservative roots, they will not wander in the political wilderness for another generation.
There are optimistic signs: Newt Gingrich, the architect of the 1994 Contract with America and subsequent GOP takeover of Congress, is rumored to be considering the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee. Also, Minority Whip Roy Blunt stepped aside Wednesday, making way for No. 3 Rep. Eric Cantor (VA) to take the spot. Other leadership positions appear to be up for grabs, though Minority Leader John Boehner (OH) will retain his post. Something should change, because business as usual is getting Republicans — and the country — nowhere.
SOURCE: Patriot Post
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