Taking The Country Back

Take the country back from whom? Take the country back to where? Seems as though the Republican Party was all set to declare yesterday's primary and special elections as a referendum to "take the country back" from whoever they think took it, nevermind the fact that those who presumably absconded with "their" country actually won elections. But it looks as though special elections are only critical if Republicans actually win them.

If this is the face of those that would take the country back, then bring it on. Let's look at some of yesterday's election results, shall we?

In the only Democratic vs. Republican race, the special general election to fill the seat of the late Jack Murtha in Pennsylvania's 12th district, former Democratic Murtha aide Mark Critz beat the GOP backed Tim Burns.

The more progressive Congressman Joe Sestak beat out 29 year Republican and one year Democrat Arlen Specter for the Democratic nomination despite the White House backing the party switching Specter (presumably because of some back room deal). Smells like Rahm Emanuel's been all over that.

Senate Blue Dog Blanche Lincoln couldn't score enough of an edge over her liberal challenger, Lt. Gov. Bill Halter and the two will have a runoff election on June 8th.  The White House also backed Lincoln, but truth be told, either candidate may have a rough go if it in November, so maybe they were thinking better the devil you know than the devil you don't.

And then there's Tea Party candidate Rand Paul who crushed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's pick, Trey Grayson for the Kentucky GOP Senate Primary. This despite Paul's stance on certain issues. Do they agree with Paul's stance on the unconstitutionality of the Patriot Act? How many Tea Party followers over 65 would support his abolishing Social Security? Or Medicare? How many of those in wheelchairs would agree with him doing away with the Americans With Disabilities Act? If they blindly pull the lever for anyone calling themselves a Tea Party "patriot" without knowing how the issues may affect them, they're going to have a few surprises in store.

In any case, it seems that yes, incumbents seem to be in trouble, but let's not forget that there are plenty of Republican incumbents as well, and they're probably in more danger from Tea Party challengers than are Democrats. I don't believe many discouraged Democratic voters are planning on voting for GOP or Tea Party candidates any time soon just for spite. That would be pretty stupid.  But then again, I've been surprised before.

ADDING... Some would argue that last night's results shows that the progressive cause is alive and well, despite the media focus on all things Teabagger. And I would have to agree.