Sure is a shame that last night didn't happen next year. Kaine won by a far-better-than-expected 6%, Corzine easily brought it home by 10%, and every one of Arnold's initiatives failed. That's a landslide for the Democrat in the blue, an easy win for the Democrat in the red, and a resounding rejection of the Republican trying to crimsonize the left coast. All in all, a very good evening. And we shouldn't forget that these results are not mere bellwhethers for 2006 -- they mean progressive government for these states, legislation that focuses on the needy, revitalization of grassroots parties and efforts, leaders willing to experiment and implement liberal policy ideas, and, at least in Virginia, a natural candidate for the Senate down the line.
This morning is also a celebratory one for three others. Phil Angelides and Steve Westly, Arnold's challengers in California, have big grins on their faces. Today would either bring the revitalization or destruction of Arnold's prestige, and morning brought the latter. And, in Virginia, Mark Warner got up with that goofy grin of his, as last night he won a proxy battle with his potential presidential challenger George Allen. I'm not yet convinced that Mark Warner is good candidate, but his outsized and enduring popularity in Virginia speaks of a real record and serious electoral touch. Suddenly, the rationale for his candidacy got a whole lot more likely, as not only can he win in the red, but he can drag others over the finish line too.