ELECTION NIGHT: slogging, snogging, blogging

11:44: It started out like an itch we couldn't  scratch- like we were coming down with something we couldn't get back up. Squirming like a virgin on a hay wagon, it was unsettling-a squirreliness untypical of our advanced age. After some meditation, some therapeutic kuken, anthe realization hit us: it's the feeling of winning.

11:25: Some guy just phoned into KIRO and said the counting delay down at the courthouse was because  of an overabundance of absetee voters who brought their ballots to polling places. Sounds good to us, but of course, Dori remains skeptical.

11:09: King County Elections Department is way behind in their count. There's much speculatin' about this by Dave Ross, Dori Monson, and political pro John Arthur Wilson who has joined them. "If they announce so late that they suddenly found some votes for Darcy, "Said Dori. "there's going to be a firestorm of outrage." Sweet jesus, spare us another one of those!

11:07: Dave Ross's scrappy daughter, Caitlin Ross, with 40.3534% lost her tough race in the 9th legislative district to Republican Steve Hailey's 59.6466%.

10:40: "I figure we should actually know in a couple of weeks who actually won in the 8th district." Darcy Burner, down 2700 or so votes is addressing her supporters in Bellevue. the votes from Pierce county has just been posted, there are still a couple of hundred thousand votes out there. We don't know exactly from whence they are due, but they're trickling in. the Reichert/Burner race was a surprisingly close considering that the incumbent Reichert is a wannabe icon in the county, as former sheriff and self-appointed "hero." He turned out to be a great-looking but middling candidate who, for the last few weeks, was relegated to chasing around the media outlets putting out fires that Darcy had set in his magnificent head of hair. She came out of nowhere with a Harvard education; a quick and well-informed mind; a pretty good resume, and great communication skills and brought herself to the forefront of the campaign.
~
10:15: "So a moment ago I participated in one of the great traditions in this democracy, and that is when you know you lost, you call the winner and congratulate them. So I called Maria Cantwell and congratulated her on her next term in the Senate." ~ Mike McGavick
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9:40: GOP Designated Liar Stefan Sharkansky just pontificated on KIRO that the reason Susan Owens is winning handily in the Supreme Court race is because "when voters don't understand the issues, they vote for the incumbent." How pompous. The width and breadth of the win by Democrats and progressive issues in the state would fly in the face of that elitest theory. I-933, the horrible "property rights initiative is dead;  I-920, The Blethen's anti-estate tax initiative has been flushed by voters; and the energy bil I-937 is ahead. All that would belie Sharkansky's specious theory. (Gawd, it must be hard to be a Republican around here).

9:30: There's no joy in the right-wing Mudville: CNN PROJECTS 31 SEAT MAJORITY IN THE HOUSE!

8:50: Medved, Sytman and Boze are discussing on KTTH why Republicans are in such a mess in Washington. Poor candidates, starting with Ellen Craswell, us seen as the problem. It's wonderful listening to these guys for once honest talking about the losers they've nominated in the past- including George Nethercutt, John Carlson. "If they can go Republican in Massachusetts, for gosh sakes, we should be able to do something like that in Washington," Said Dave Boze. The pachyderm sitting in the studio with the boyz:  is the most unpopular president since Nixon. (Author's note: hee, hee).

8:32: MARIA CANTWELL HAS WON REELECTION! wasn't a long night for the Squeaky One.
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8:30: Say your prayers: Darcy Burner: 21,620; Dave Reichert 21,421
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8:16: "In all the wrong places, people will be celebrating tonight." ~ Michael Medved
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8:02: THE DEMOCRATS HAVE TAKEN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES!
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7:55: I saw Dave Reichert drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic's.
His hair was perfect.
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7:44: It's live and local now on KIRO: Dori Monson, the puerile neocon sportscaster is busy poo-pooing Darcy Burner. "Completely unqualified." I didn't see anything on her inflated resume."

Stuff we never knew: Dave Ross and Darcy sat down at Tully's a few months after Dave's 2004 loss to Reichert and did the "what do you want to do? OK, what do you want to do?" The results of that conversation, of course was Darcy's run at the 8th district.

Will there be any bitterness if she wins? asked the prissy, trouble-making little Dori, (hoping to project his own adolescence onto The Dave). "No, said Dave- "She worked her tail off for it. Dave's a fan: it's a great story, he said, how Darcy Burner came out of nowhere; was so impressive raising money; and made it such a competitive race.

Dave broached the subject of Ron Reagan running for the 7th District seat if Jim Mcdermott retires. Reagan never said no, never said yes. (we're thinkin' maybe he shouldn't wait until McD retires...)
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6:32: Theological question for the night...Has God forsaken Rick Santorum or was She never on board in the first place?

Republican Linc Chafee is a loser in Rhode Island, according to MSNBC.

Independents are breaking for Democrats: 58% to 38%, according to CBS.

David Postman is blogging at The Stranger's party at the Spitfire in Belltown. They're drinking "Maria Cantwells" (Absolut Citron, blue Curacao and lime juice; shaken, served with a cherry). Postman may or may not be partaking. We're noting he's dropping a few more prepositions from his posts than usual.

A troll is making Cantwell jokes on the Postman blog "...the drink sounds sour, and I know the cherry doesn't apply anymore." Stupid joke- only unmarried Republican women are virgins at her age- but we did think the Spitfire was appropriate for the Senator. 
~

5:35p: Be still my heart.

The east coast and midwest numbers are sneaking out, the water is lapping sweetly on the shore, no tsunami in sight, but we're scanning the horizon.

CBS just called Rick "man-on-dog" Santorum a loser in Pennsylvania against Bob Casey, predicted, but nonetheless deeply satisfying for progressives.

But yes, CNN just called the Ohio governorship for Democrat Ted Strickland over Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, a particularly delicious result, though not unexpected. Blackwell was the Katherine Harris of 2004 who molested the system and delivered the election for his Republican masters. He ran a virulently awful right-wing campaign that got more desperate as he lost.

The bodacious floozy, Ms Harris just lost big herself to Bill Nelson. She was a love bunny to Blatherers, but we hope, frankly we never see her again unless on it's on Extreme Remakeover.

Comments

[ryder]

I'm not sure but I think Wolf Blitzer is having an orgasm.

Tomorrow's talking points will be that the Donkeys who won highly disputed seats are not Liberals but actual more middle of the road if not conservative Donkeys.

[joanie]

Damn . . . with 9% reporting (not much, I know) Liebermann 45% Lamont 45% . . .

CSpan projects Senate seats: 44 Repub; 42 Dem

I am watching CSpan and they are just taking calls from Republicans, Democrats and Independents. Very interesting to hear these people.

Finally, DeWine and Santorum are gone. (Taking a call from Bellingham right now - a Republican.)

[joanie]

Oddly enough, the race in Connecticut has been called for Lieberman by Congressional Quarterly - go figure.

[Duffman]

This is NOTHING compared to what's going to go down in '08. Just pray that Ms Clinton runs...she will run away with it.
Hopefully, her husband will win Pres of U.N. and this beautiful Nation will once again rise to the respected position it deserves in the eyes of the world (and not just Crawford, Tx).
'Bush, party of how-ever-many your plane is ready....'G-Bye!!!
Asi es la vida; lo ciento mucho George...wish we could say it's been nice (actually it has having Laura as 1st lady...but it ends there!).

[coiler]

Lieberman wasnt that hard to figure out, the GOP threw their support behind him. They figure they still have the kind of lapdog that Tim Sheldon is accustomed to being.

[JDB]

Cantwell declared the winner by AP and CNN:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/291438_elex07ww.html

[JDB]

Fox News declares that the Dems will take the House

[joanie]

How can it be that Goldmark isn't winning? He is so smart, caring, committed to the land that he and the others ranch. He would be so good for that area. What's wrong with those people?

[sparky]

Tim Sheldon is a poopy head

Why didnt Medved say WHERE all those parties in wrong places were going to be held??

[joanie]

Now Michael, wouldn't you rather be down at the Spitfire with Postman and his best friends, McGavick and Gorton?

[joanie]

Poor Pelosi, she's losing her voice. She's been everywhere the last few weeks and today . . . she's got moxie and I like her. She will be a good leader.

[Mirror]

I think the Republicans in WA, including Dori Monson, are deluding themselves when they McGavick was a good candidate. He was a lightweight in a tough time. For all his talk about reducing partisan blah blah blah, he just never came across as a guy who could get shit done. Truly getting something done in difficult times requires someone who can do trial and error and not give up. I think Schwarzenheger in CA gives this impression, so he can win with the national winds against him. McGavick reeked of someone who would take the easy path of following where his corporate masters and Rovian leaders would take him.

[ryder]

Wolf Blitzer is still having an orgasm. Either that or he's flying high on something.

Meanwhile the last time I tuned into FOX they seemed ready to slurp down the Kool-Aid.

[mercifurious]

Blather aside, let's check out the clickety-clack-watch - Freepers unhinged!/mass-suicide-watch!

"GOP Officials Call To Impound Voting Machines"

[chris]

No doubt, after Laura Ingrate called on people to jam the reporting lines on vote fraud, nothing suprises me.

Historically, its look like a blowout for the dems,they have usually lost seats during a 'wartime' but this evidently will put a crimp in Bush' sleeping pattern for awhile

[joanie]

OMG! Those Republicans know how to handle the voting machine issue! Impound them! Why don't the Dems think of these things?

Russert just said control of the Senate comes down to Missouri . . . he's written off Tennessee but gives the Dems Montana and Virginia which leaves Missouri. If Missouri falls Republican, Cheney is the new Decider.

If Missouri falls Dem, they are in the majority by two.

Tennessee is obviously 52% bigot. And, I wouldn't count on Lieberman voting reliably with the Dems although he and Sanders will caucus with the Dems.

And chris, I don't think Bush loses sleep over anything.

[chris]

No but I'm glad he is being kept

Tuesday, November 07, 2006
White House: Bush staying up past his bedtime
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush usually goes to bed early, but he's expected to stay up past his bedtime tonight to watch the election results, according to White House Press Secretary Tony Snow.

Snow said the loss of Senate seats in Ohio and Pennsylvania was expected. He said they are keeping a close eye on Montana and Missouri, and that they feel confident about holding onto Tennessee.

As for the mood at the White House, Snow said it was one of anticipation. He said Karl Rove and others are eager to get outstanding information from precincts that are still out. Bush will speak tomorrow.

[mercifurious]

Hahahahaha. Okay, self-hating Mel-lover Medved is pretty entertaining right now. Complaining about "Losertarians" again.

Tip: Dump the fundy Ayatollahs & we'll talk

[joanie]

Harold Ford is on CSpan right now. I like him . . . am so sorry for all the racist ads.

[chris]

Dino is on Ch 9 along with other talking heads saying the main reason the gop lost is the dems outspent them...second to Iraq

[lukobe]

Michael, you're right when you disagree with Sharkansky's statement that "when voters don't understand the issues, they vote for the incumbent"--they tend to vote for the incumbent regardless of whether they understand the issues or not!

Joanie--"Tennessee is obviously 52% bigot"? C'mon...

In other news, I'm glad that IRV voting in Pierce County appears to be passing, am surprised Linnea Noreen didn't do a little better in her race against McDermott (only 4.47%), and am stunned that Bruce Guthrie nearly beat Robin Adair and Aaron Dixon COMBINED in King County!

[chris]

Yes TN is extrememly bigoted, I lived there for 5 years. It is still 1865 to some of the cry-babys there. The same sex marriage bill went down to defeat by 80 something percent

[joanie]

They lost because the Dems outspent them? Dems outspent Republicans? Oh, that's precious!

Lukobe, you are easily stunned.

[joanie]

Frist is giving a "family values" speech at Corkers Tennessee celebration. What hath Tennessee wrought? Whatever it is, let's put it asunder as soon as possible!

BTW, is Tennessee vulnerable to any weather extremes . . .

[coochie mama]

Wheee!!! It's so satisfying to watch the glum talking heads on Faux News tonight!! Shep has severe cramping and bloating.

[c]

Tornados

and Kudzu

[chris]

Dino forgot to mention scandal and Iraq

[joanie]

Kind of an exhilarating night, isn't it?

[chris]

Yes, hopefully the dems wont screw it up in 2 yrs

[The Ump]

No matter how weak a candidate was Cantwell, Mike! was weaker. He was full of self-righteousness about himself and he never connected with The People. He virtually reeked of his The Highlands address. For the most part, the only folks supporting Mike! were committed Republicans. To succeed statewide in WA (and, ideally, everywhere else), a Republican needs to have some real dirt under his or her fingernails. Mike!'s were put there by his pedicurist.

[lukobe]

joanie:

They lost because the Dems outspent them? Dems outspent Republicans? Oh, that's precious!

Lukobe, you are easily stunned.

HUH?

[Thom]

Yup...The Ump sums up Dems!!

[lukobe]

I was stunned that, in the Senate race, the Libertarian beat the Green and nearly beat the Green and Independent combined...in King County. I would have thought the Green would have done a lot better. Wasn't "stunned" about anything else, Joanie.

[joanie]

Lukobe, read more carefully. You'll see I was responding to chris. And new paragraph reflects a new idea - my response to you.

[joanie]

Hey, Ump! I complimented your post on another board.

Thom, you, too, need to read a little better. . .

[joanie]

Well, Michael, this has been fun! Who'd have thought we'd have such a good time online!

I'm signing off . . . I'll be thinking about Ryder and wishin' I could take a few of his suggestions - if you know what I mean!

It has been a very exciting night!

[mercifurious]

Night Shift report:

Gambling Degenerate Bill Bennett mourning in America at 4am.

"Democrats take the House. Senate still undecided. But the President is still the president"

"This wasn't a big win for the left"

His callers sound like Jack's ending tirade against LT. Kaffey in a Few Good Men.

Good morning Bla'M Fam. Remember: any election victory is only a beginning. The real hard work is ahead.

First off, Bush looks to come out of the gates with a supposed "olive branch" statement today. Let's give him what he wants and reach across-the-isle for a fine bi-partisan proposal: Fire Rumsfeld

Locally: now that DeLay's Gerrymandering is safe & legal, it's time to play fair and carve up Dunn's 8th into a GOP unsafe seat. Savvy?

[mercifurious]

Also overheard on The Gambler in Mourning:

"Rick Santorum is a hero... has set himself up nicely for an '08 run"

Deluded often?

[Duffman]

Anybody listen to coverage on KVI last nite? Too funny; Wilbur, Carlson & Suits trying their best to save face but very feeble attempt. I felt good for 'ol Schram who kept reserved and didn't rub it in - but subtle and smug in the victory. This will probably even push their ratings even lower; they'll resort to their bashing mode. Too bad guys nice try, but your brazen bias backfired this time.
Asi 'es las vida....Adios!

[ryder]

I am going to have so much fun listening to talk radio today.

I'm even going to tune in Michael Savage for a bit.

[joanie]

It's a nice victory to savor. I might even listen to Dori for a bit this pm . . . I wonder if he'll even talk about the election, coward that he is.

But the real victory will be if we hang on to the Senate as well.

As for olive branches? Just make sure they're not a camoflauge for something else . . . trust but verify.

Geez, I'm tired.

[Mike Barer]

Even if Darcy does not win the race, she is a winner for the way she ran her campaign.
This has got to be good in the long run for right wing talk radio because it caters to the outside minority. watch for a resurgence of KVI.

[lukobe]

Joanie, maybe you should TYPE more carefully--I'm sure I'm not the only one who misread your post.

In other news, I'm ticked at Nickels for insinuating the strip clubs BOUGHT the election on Referendum 1. I was going to vote against it from the minute I heard about it and I'm sure that goes for a lot of us. And I'm also ticked at him for being ticked at the 75% of Seattleites who are sick of sports subsidies... but what was I expecting, really?

[lukobe]

Oh--and Joanie, don't you think it was kind of stunning the Libertarian beat the Green in King County? (Although I suppose many [though not all] Libertarians would otherwise have gone McGavick, whereas potential Dixon voters were terrified that Cantwell might lose and voted their second choice... another reason we need IRV...)

[coiler]

I'm glad the nightmare is partially over, now we need to reverse the Millitary Commisions Act and the other bad legislation that Bush has wroth.

[lukobe]

wrought?

I suppose Bush will be wielding the veto pen a lot more now...

[Liz]

I heard Rumsfeld just stepped down. With all of these changes, do any of you suspect that a withdrawal from Iraq is imminent?

I hope so.

[sparky]

But it is always possible to override a veto....and if he is an OBSTRUCTIONIST president on things such as health care, education spending, increase in minimum wage--you know, all those issues that hurt the working class---then that will be all the better for Dems in 2008. He still doesnt get it that actions have consequences.

[sparky]

I hope so too, Liz.

[Liz]

Me too, Sparky, as I posted here before, my nephew is on the cusp.

On a another chatroom here in Canada, an "informed" poster bemoaned that the victory would "open the door to terrorists."

I think what your country needed to worry about most was all the criminals in Washington. Rolling Stone did a great article several months ago.