Down-ticket races - Congress, Senate, Referendums

[Huckleman2000]

Just a thread to talk about the election results that aren't the POTUS.

 

[Lee Chambers]

It looks like the Democrats have taken control of congress, according to the numbers on CNN.

 

[impressive]

Prop 8's not going as desired: http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/props/59.htm

 

[Selena_Kitt]

Prop 8's not going as desired: http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/props/59.htm

Oh damn.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Perhaps some good news will come with the failure of 102. God, I need some good news.

 

[fieryjen]

Prop 8's not going as desired: http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/props/59.htm

 

[Stella_Omega]

yeah, I don't have high hopes for the sanctity of genuine loving marriages tonight.

 

[buxxxom]

Elizabeth Dole's been preaching fear and ignorance. She got what she deserved tonight.

 

[Huckleman2000]

It's hard to tell without all the exit-polls and modelling that they do for the top of the ticket races (in order to call them early).

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

I had hoped that at least Chambliss would get the boot. SOB managed to keep his seat. By all rights, this night should have been the end of his political career.

To be fair, I knew that I wouldn't be happy, no matter what. But I thought that I could watch it with amused detachment. But I have never been so proud and so disgruntled all at once.

 

[sr71plt]

It's not insignificant that Delaware's governor is a Democrat--because Joe Biden wasn't only running for vice president; he was also running again for U.S. Senate (and won with 61 percent of the vote). Now the governor will have to fill his Senate seat (presumably with a Democrat).

In Virginia, Mark Warner (D) took John Warner's (R) vacating seat, so the Dems picked up one here. In my congressional district, a new Democrat is in a dead heat with a reactionary Republican incumbent (Goode). They'll probably have to have a runoff.

 

[Huckleman2000]

Senate is currently projected at 56/40 Dem, with 4 races still up in the air.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Prop 8's not going as desired: http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/props/59.htm

Damn! I was so hoping that it would fail. The only other really good news out of California is that 11 is going to pass and rip the redistricting process out of the self-serving hands of the legislature. That may improve things here, greatly.

However, Prop 8 ain't the last word. The next stage is a challenge in federal court about it's conflict with the 14th Amendment. This is one of the first times I'm glad to live in the 9th District! There we have a chance.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Damn! I was so hoping that it would fail. The only other really good news out of California is that 11 is going to pass and rip the redistricting process out of the self-serving hands of the legislature. That may improve things here, greatly.

However, Prop 8 ain't the last word. The next stage is a challenge in federal court about it's conflict with the 14th Amendment. This is one of the first times I'm glad to live in the 9th District! There we have a chance.

Actually, the results are too small still... she said hopefully... and besides I cannot get onto the site, I think it's crashed. Not surprising.

 

[Belegon]

Actually, the results are too small still... she said hopefully... and besides I cannot get onto the site, I think it's crashed. Not surprising.

Yes, I have been trying as well. I am worried, but I also know that this is not the end, regardless. Either side will continue to try.

I also have hopes re: the 14th Amendment.

I still will hope that the tide turns. Remember that many of the earliest districts counted are smaller ones located in the more conservative areas of the state. We won't have a definitive answer on this until tomorrow.

 

[alyxen]

Bleah on prop 4 also, but hopefully still close enough it could swing the other way. (California still here) Still pretty early results also (24.2% of precincts)

I gotta hope that 8 will get shot down somehow....right?

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Well, I, for my part, am now watching and hoping that we reject our own anti-gay prop. Some hope for good news on that front, at least.

This year, of all years at least, one would think that the people would use their heads and reject hatred.

 

[Belegon]

Bleah on prop 4 also, but hopefully still close enough it could swing the other way. (California still here) Still pretty early results also (24.2% of precincts)

I gotta hope that 8 will get shot down somehow....right?

Remember, San Francisco/Alameda still hasn't had a single vote reported.

It's not over yet.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

So much for my plan to laugh at this election. This prop 102 business has me really concerned. Same for 8 in CA.

And I can't laugh, knowing that Chambliss is still in the Senate. Grrrr.....

 

[alyxen]

So much for my plan to laugh at this election. This prop 102 business has me really concerned. Same for 8 in CA.

And I can't laugh, knowing that Chambliss is still in the Senate. Grrrr.....

what is 102 for those of us too tired to look it up?

 

[Corylea]

The latest from CNN:

Proposition Eight, which would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California, was losing -- 53 percent to 47 percent, according to the polling. If it were to pass, it would undo a state Supreme Court ruling in May legalizing same-sex unions.

Also:

In California exit polls reported thus far tonight, Proposition 8 appears to be going down to a narrow 52 percent to 48 percent defeat.The proposition would amend California's state constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. Earlier in the year, the California Supreme Court issued a ruling making such marriages legal under the state's constitution

If the trend holds, younger, first-time voters can be said to be responsible for Proposition 8's defeat. Voters between the ages of 18 and 29 opposed the proposition 66 percent to 34 percent; voters 30-64 were evenly split; voters 65 and above favored the amendment 57 percent to 43 percent.

First-time voters cast their ballots against the proposition by a 64 percent to 36 percent margin. The rest of the electorate favored the amendment 52 percent to 48 percent.

Californians who attend church weekly voted for Proposition 8 by an 83 percent to 17 percent. Those who attended church occasionally voted 40 percent in favor and 60 percent opposed. Californians who never attend church were 14 percent in favor and 86 percent against.

College graduates opposed Proposition 8 by a 57 percent to 43 percent margin. Those without a college degree favored it, 53 percent to 47 percent.

African-Americans voted for Proposition 8 by a 69 percent to 31 percent margin. However, 55 percent of white voters and 52 percent of Hispanics voted against the proposition.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

what is 102 for those of us too tired to look it up?

The Arizona equivalent to Prop 8. An amendment to the AZ Constitution, defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. As if such matters belong in the constitutions of the states or the Union. Amendments should be about the governing process and the civil liberties of individuals, not about marriage, which is properly the field of statutory law. Though I wish that the statute would change, too, to end the madness of marital conformity.

 

[Belegon]

The latest from CNN:

Proposition Eight, which would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California, was losing -- 53 percent to 47 percent, according to the polling. If it were to pass, it would undo a state Supreme Court ruling in May legalizing same-sex unions.

That is the opposite of what I am hearing from local news. I fear CNN has it wrong.

However, Prop 4 is now down, 49-47.

 

[Safe_Bet]

It is done. With 91% of the state reporting 52% of the state has proven that they are hateful ignorant bigots by voting yes.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

SAFE_BET

3 cheers for the bigots.

I guess this means you stay a weird monkey for a while.