4:16 PM | Eric Lach | #

AP Declares Sen. Bennet The Winner In Colorado

The AP has declared Sen. Michael Bennet the winner of the Colorado Senate race, hours after he had already held a victory press conference.

4:09 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Miller: 'This Campaign Is Not Over!'

Alaska Republican Senate candidate Joe Miller is optimistic about his campaign, despite Sen. Lisa Murkowski's apparently strong showing in the write-in ballot. In a statement on his site today, Miller wrote: "The campaign remains optimistic that Joe Miller will be the next U.S. Senator from the state of Alaska."

He continued:

As with any write-in campaign, the burden of execution rests with the candidate whose name is not on the ballot. Candidates who mount a write-in campaign opt for an uphill battle. At this point, without a single write-in ballot counted, Lisa Murkowski has no claim on a victory.

"In short, this campaign is not over!" Miller said.

Full statement here.

4:06 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Oberstar Concedes: 'I Go In Peace Of Mind And Heart, But In Sadness'

The Star-Tribune reports:

Wistful and elegiac, Rep. Jim Oberstar bowed out Wednesday after serving 18 terms in U.S. House and becoming one of its most powerful members.

"I go in peace of mind and heart, but in sadness" Oberstar said during an early-afternoon news conference. "I loved the opportunity to serve the people of this district."

4:06 PM | Eric Lach | #

Rep. Spratt Concedes To Mulvaney In SC

The Rock Hill Herald reports that Rep. John Spratt (SC-5) has conceded to his Republican challenger, Mick Mulvaney.

4:05 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

NRSC Will Continue To Back Miller In Alaska

According to The Hill, the NRSC has pledged to continue to support Alaska senatorial candidate Joe Miller, in what could be a long battle against write-in candidate Lisa Murkowski.

Spokesman Brian Walsh said in an e-mail:

The NRSC has been assisting the Miller campaign from day one and we continue to assist his campaign. There are still thousands of ballots left to be counted in the days ahead, and it will be at least two weeks before the write-in ballots will be reviewed, so like everyone else we will continue to closely monitor this race as it unfolds.

3:53 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Cuomo Already In Transition Mode In New York

The New York Times reports:

Fresh off Tuesday's resounding victory, Andrew M. Cuomo and his aides began shifting into full-time transition mode Wednesday, wasting little time in preparing for what are expected to be difficult battles on the budget, property taxes and ethics legislation starting Jan. 1 when Mr. Cuomo moves into the governor's office.

For Mr. Cuomo, that means not just the usual post-election duties -- like endless rounds of thank-you calls to friends, donors, and supporters -- but also preparing a virtual government-in-waiting and finalizing his first budget proposal, due just weeks after he is sworn in.

3:30 PM | Brian Beutler | #

Infighting! Michele Bachmann Also Plans To Run For House Leadership

Conservative Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) -- founder of the Tea Party Caucus -- will make a bid to be part of House leadership next Congress, likely touching off a tough intra-GOP for influence over the new majority.

3:00 PM | Megan Carpentier | #

Obama Indicates He'll Veto Health Care Repeal

Though Obama struck a more conciliatory tone in his post-midterms speech this afternoon, the talking points that he released to go along with them were somewhat less so. In those, he indicated that any repeal, or repeal-and-replace, bill would face a veto in his office.

Read the full story here.

2:49 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Obama: Last Night Was A 'Shellacking' (VIDEO)

President Obama gave a press conference today on last night's elections results, and said he learned some important lessons from the outcome. "I'm not recommending for future presidents that they take a shellacking like I did last night," he said, because "there are easier ways to learn these lessons."

"Some election nights are more fun than others. Some are exhilarating. Some are humbling," said the President.

Watch here.

2:29 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Here We Go...: 2010's Recounts, Write-Ins And Disputed Elections

Here's a quick update on the statewide races that may or may not be seeing recounts, election contests, graphology examinations, Brooks Brothers riots, etc.

2:28 PM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

Hans von Spakovsky Will Help Certify A Tight Race In Virginia

Both sides are claiming victory in the House race in Virginia's 11th district, which may be the closest contest in the country. With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Democrat Gerry Connolly is leading Republican Keith Fimian by just 487 votes.

The three-member electoral board of Faixfax County is currently in the midst of canvassing the election results, a spokeswoman for the country government confirmed to TPMMuckraker. One of the individuals sitting on that board is Hans von Spakovsky, a Bush-era Justice Department official who came under fire from Democrats after allegations that he helped politicize the Civil Rights Division and placed an undue emphasis on voter fraud and identification that critics say often suppresses minority voter turnout.

2:27 PM | Eric Lach | #

Bennet Holds Victory Press Conference

Sen. Michael Bennet has declared victory in the Colorado Senate race, though all the votes have yet to be counted in the close race. Republican Ken Buck has not conceded. Bennet said that it "would be a mistake" to see the close outcome of the race as proof that "Coloradans are deeply divided."

2:13 PM | Ben Frumin | #

WATCH: Haley's Victory Speech

Republican Nikki Haley won South Carolina's governors race last night. Watch her victory speech here.

2:11 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Fiorina Concedes

Carly Fiorina has now conceded the California Senate race to Sen. Barbara Boxer (D), the Sacramento Bee reports. "This has been a great ride. ... I would not trade a single moment," she said.

2:10 PM | Ben Frumin | #

WATCH: Feingold's Concession Speech

Progressive champion Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) lost last night. Watch his concession speech here.

2:05 PM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

Michael Steele Talks About Last Night, The Future

Michael Steele says last night was something of a justification, though he acknowledged he's not near the center of Republican attention today.

1:48 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Obama: DADT Could Potentially Be Repealed During Lame Duck Session

In the press conference just now, Obama was asked whether it would now be harder to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." He said that "making this change needs to be done in an orderly fashion," but that there is a review coming at the beginning of the month "that will give us time to act in potentially during the lame duck session to change this policy."

"This should not be a partisan issue," he added.

1:40 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Obama On Tax Cuts: My Hope Is That 'We're Not Gonna Play Brinkmanship'

The President was asked in the press conference just now how much he is willing to compromise over the Bush tax cuts. He replied: "My goal is to make sure that we don't have a huge spike in taxes for middle class families."

"It is very important that we're not taking a whole bunch of money out of the system from people who are most likely to spend that money," Obama continued.

So, he said, he hopes that he can sit down with Republicans "and see where we can move forward in a way that first of all does no harm," but "how that negotiation works itself out is tough to say."

Obama added that he hopes "we're not gonna play brinkmanship."

1:34 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Pawlenty: 'I Will Continue To Serve As Governor' In Case Of MN Recount

The possible gubernatorial recount in Minnesota, where Democratic former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton leads Republican state Rep. Tom Emmer by just over 9,000 votes, has another possible ramification. It is now possible that if the process were to drag on into January, the current GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a potential Republican presidential candidate, could stay on as governor for an extra while.

1:27 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Of 39 House Dems Who Voted Against Health Care, Only 12 Won Yesterday

Via Ben Smith: Of the 39 Democrats who voted against health care reform, 20 lost their re-election bids, 12 won, six didn't seek re-election and one, Parker Griffith, switched parties and still lost.

1:25 PM | Marc Kilstein | #

MoveOn Releases Statement Reflecting On 'Devastating' Election

Justin Ruben, Executive Director of MoveOn.org, released a statement today, calling the elections "devastating" and citing "the combination of voter discontent and corporate cash" as reason behind Republican gains. He goes on to lambaste Republicans and corporate front groups, stating:

We have seen significant accomplishments over the last two years --more children have health care, more Americans are protected from predatory practices on Wall Street, and more students can afford to go to college. But Republicans and corporate front groups like the Chamber of Commerce, aided by FOX News, systematically misled the American people about the nature of those gains.

1:21 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Obama On HCR: Americans Don't Want Us To 'Re-Litigate' Old Arguments

Obama was asked just now whether this election is a referendum on health care reform. He replied that he thinks "we'd be misreading the election if we think the American people want to see us re-litigate arguments we've had over the past two years."

1:18 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Obama: 'We Didn't Change How Things Got Done'

In his press conference just now, Obama said that he realizes he ran on a message that he was going to change Washington, but "we were in such a hurry to get things done, that we didn't change how things got done."

He added that he understands Eric Cantor wants a ban on earmarks, and he thinks that's something they can make progress on together.

1:11 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Obama: 'No Party Has A Monopoly On Wisdom'

The President talked a bit about his hope that he and the Republicans "work harder to reach consensus" on the issues.

"No party has a monopoly on wisdom," he said.

1:09 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Obama: 'As President I Take Responsibility' For Yesterday

Obama just said that the outcome of the elections shows that "too many Americans haven't felt that progress" that has been made. "And they told us that yesterday."

"As president I take responsibility for that," Obama said.

1:05 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Obama: 'Some Election Nights Are More Fun Than Others'

In his remarks today, President Obama said that "some election nights are more fun than others. Some are exhilarating. Some are humbling."

1:04 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Obama Speaking On Last Night's Elections

President Obama has just begun speaking on the outcome of last night's elections. Watch live here.

1:03 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Voter Fraud Candidate Kris Kobach Wins In Kansas

Kris Kobach, who ran on a platform of preventing allegedly widespread voter fraud and helped write the Arizona immigration bill, won his campaign for Kansas secretary of state.

12:57 PM | Eric Lach | #

Bennet Declares Victory In CO-SEN On Facebook

In a Facebook post, Sen. Michael Bennet (D) has declared victory in the Colorado Senate race.

"Thank you to everyone who made this victory possible, who gave so much to our campaign, working tirelessly to ensure we leave more for the next generation," the wall post reads.

12:57 PM | Marc Kilstein | #

DCCC Chairman Releases Statement, Blasts Right-Wing 'Secret Money'

In a statement released today, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen claims, "The record amount of secret money spent by right-wing outside groups turned this political storm into a category 3 political hurricane." He goes on to congratulate the victors and thank supporters/staff, while promising that "House Democrats are committed to moving forward to create jobs for all Americans, strengthen the middle class, lower the deficit, and stand up for working Americans against the special interests."

12:56 PM | Megan Carpentier | #

Feingold Reportedly Has 'No Interest' In A 2012 Primary Challenge To Obama

Defeated Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) reportedly has no interest in mounting a primary challenge to President Obama in 2012 from the left flank of the party. His spokesman, John Kraus, told Ben Smith in an email:

"While a lot of other Democrats ran away from their support for the Recovery Act and health insurance reform, Russ Feingold didn't, he stood by those votes and President Obama's effort to do the right thing... I would chalk up any Beltway chatter about Russ running against President Obama as simply Washington getting wee-wee'd up on the first day of new election cycle that is two years away."

12:34 PM | Brian Beutler | #

McConnell: Dems Have Already Learned The Wrong Lessons From Midterm Romp

At a GOP press conference on Capitol Hill this morning, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell wasted no time in continuing his attack on the Democratic party by accusing members of missing the message of last night's election -- less than 24 hours after polls closed.

12:34 PM | Brian Beutler | #

ABC To Interview Pelosi Tonight

ABC News' Diane Sawyer will conduct the first interview with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi since the Democrats' disastrous showing last night.

From the release:

Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks with Diane Sawyer in her first television interview since the Democrats lost control of the House of Representative. With a legacy that will be as much about the ambitious agenda she pursued as the history she made in 2007 when she became the first woman to ever hold the rank of Speaker - is there anything she would have done differently? They will discuss the lessons that have been learned from the election that saw a sweeping tide of Republican wins as well as what is next for the soon to be former-Speaker.

The interview will air tonight at 6:30

12:30 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Dem Dan Malloy Wins CT-GOV

The Hartford Courant reports:

Dannel Malloy has won the election for governor, and there will be no statewide recount, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz announced this afternoon.

Earlier, Bysiewicz had said a recount ? required when the margin between candidates is less than one half of 1 percent of the total vote ? may not be needed.

12:23 PM | Brian Beutler | #

Cantor Endorses Hensarling For Republican Leadership Spot

In a statement today, Republican Whip Eric Cantor -- who plans to run for Majority Leader next Congress -- endorsed Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling to replace Mike Pence as chair of the Republican conference.

"I'd like to thank Mike Pence for his work as Chairman of the Republican Conference and wish him the best as he continues to represent the people of Indiana and decides his next step," Cantor said. "Moving forward, I believe that there is no better choice than Jeb Hensarling to serve as the next Chairman of the House Republican Conference."

In its earliest stages, the GOP's leadership transition is going just about as planned.

12:21 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

DeMint: Tea Party Candidates 'Right In The Middle' Of Where America Is

Sen, Jim DeMint (R-SC) said on Fox News that the wins by Tea Party-backed candidates shows that they are "right in the middle of where America really is."

He also said that all of the "new Republicans coming into the Senate will give Mitch McConnell a lot more horsepower."

12:19 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Norm Coleman Gives Advice To Candidates Facing Recount

Norm Coleman, the former senator who lost to Al Franken after a long recount battle, has some advice for candidates facing recounts this year:

"My advice to folks is hire good lawyers and understand this is not simply about earning votes anymore, it's about counting votes," he said. "It's all about the counting ... I won on election night."

12:13 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Giuliani: Palin's Got 'A Hell Of A Lot More Qualifications' Than Obama Did

Rudy Giuliani thinks Sarah Palin should run for President in 2012: "She's got a hell of a lot more qualifications than Barack Obama had when he ran for President."

"Let her run," he said on The View today. "If she's as bad as you think, she'll lose. If she can really make her case, she will win."

11:52 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

GOPer LePage Wins ME-GOV

Republican Paul LePage has won the Maine governorship, to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. John Baldacci.

11:50 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

NRCC: We're Going To Keep Our Big Gains In McCain Districts

On a conference call with reporters just now, National Republican Congressional Committee Executive Director Guy Harrison touted the strength and extent of the party's big House victories last night -- and predicted that the GOP would have staying power in many of the conservative districts they picked up.

11:48 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

Boehner: Pelosi 'Left Me A Very Nice Voicemail'

Presumptive Speaker John Boehner, at a press conference just now, said current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi "tried to reach me" this morning and "left me a very nice voicemail."

11:42 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

CT-GOV Too Close To Call, Could Be Headed For Recount

The Connecticut gubernatorial race between Democrat Dan Malloy and Republican Tom Foley is still too close to call, with the candidates within 2,000 votes of each other -- so close it could go to a recount once all the votes are in.

11:42 AM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

Issa: We're Interested In ACORN, But We'll Look At Jobs First (VIDEO)

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) -- the chairman-in-waiting of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and one of the new thorns in the Obama administration's side -- said on MSNBC this morning that he's still interested in investigating ACORN, which filed for bankruptcy yesterday.

"I think it's very important that we look at ACORN as something that occurred, it was criminal activity and it used government money and nonprofit money both to do politics. There's certainly going to be other examples on the left and on the right where we at least have to deny them nonprofit status and government money if what they're doing is being overtly political," Issa said.

11:12 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

Cantor's 'Vision' For GOP House

Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), upon announcing his run for House Majority Leader, released his "vision" for a GOP House, via his spokesman. Click for PDF.

11:11 AM | Ben Frumin | #

On A Knife-Edge: Several Statehouses Still Up For Grabs

Here is the latest on some key gubernatorial races, which were not resolved as of last night.

11:07 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

Rep. Tom Price To Run For GOP Policy Committee Chair

Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) will run to be chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee.

11:03 AM | Ben Frumin | #

WATCH: Manchin's Victory Speech

Watch the West Virginia Democrat's victory speech here.

10:58 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

DangerRoom: With GOP House, Expect Tough Hearings On Defense Issues

From Wired.com's Danger Room: "The Republicans didn't just win big last night, taking back the House of Representatives. They beat most of the top Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee. Which means the Obama administration better get ready for two years of tough hearings on everything from Afghanistan to Gitmo, missile defense to Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

10:56 AM | Megan Carpentier | #

Cantor To Run For House Majority Leader

Current Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R) is shortly expected to announce his intention to run for House Majority Leader for the 112th Congress. If he wins -- and he seems likely to -- it would make him, yet again, Rep. Boehner's right-hand man, assuming that Boehner takes the Speaker's gavel.

10:53 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

NY Voters Skeptical Of Cuomo Despite Win

Though Democrat Andrew Cuomo won the race for Governor in New York with 79% of the vote, NY1 reports that the exit polls found:

Just 51 percent of voters said Cuomo was honest and trustworthy, while 47 percent said he was not.

Twenty-five percent of those who said they voted for Cuomo said they did so, even though they did not think he was honest and trustworthy.

10:50 AM | Brian Beutler | #

Pence To Step Down From GOP Leadership -- Hints At Run For Governor

In a letter to colleagues this morning, Pence informed his colleagues that he won't seek re-election to his leadership post next Congress, hinting that he may soon be unable to fulfill his leadership duties as he prepares a run for Indiana governor.

10:44 AM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

Seattle Times: Math Looks Bad For Rossi Win

Though no one's calling the super-tight Washington Senate race yet, the Seattle Times reports that the numbers are shifting in the direction of Sen. Patty Murray (D):

"But the electoral math seemed to favor the three-term incumbent. She captured 62 percent of the votes counted Tuesday night in King County. It's estimated nearly 350,000 additional votes remain to be counted there -- more than a third of the total uncounted votes statewide."

10:43 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

O'Donnell: It's The GOP's Fault I Lost (VIDEO)

Christine O'Donnell has wasted no time finding a scapegoat for her loss last night to Democrat Chris Coons in Delaware's Senate Race -- and it's the establishment GOP that didn't give her enough support. Calling it "Republican cannibalism," O'Donnell said that the "division" in the Republican Party "that remained even after the primary I think did hurt us."

Watch here.

10:42 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

Anti-Gay Groups Defeat Iowa Supreme Court Justices

Three of Iowa's Supreme Court justices were voted out of office last night, chalking up a victory for the national anti-gay groups that spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the race.

With nearly all precincts reporting, the three justices -- David Baker, Michael Streit and Chief Justice Marsha Ternus -- were voted out by an average margin of 55% to 45%.

Last year, the Iowa Supreme Court's seven justices voted unanimously to legalize same-sex marriage in the state, making them a target of groups like the National Organization for Marriage, the American Family Association and the Family Research Council, who declared the ruling a case of gross judicial activism and usurpation of power.

10:40 AM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

The GOP Plan To Investigate Obama: The First Four Potential Investigations

Reps. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Lamar Smith (R-TX) have been attacking the Obama administration since pretty much the day Barack Obama took office. Until now, as just the ranking members of two powerful House committees and members of the minority party, their criticisms of administration officials and their decisions have been mostly limited to issuing press releases.

Now -- as the expected chairmen of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the House Judiciary Committee, respectively -- they're the proud new holders of subpoena power, will have a much more robust unit of investigators and will likely be a huge thorn in the side of President Obama and his top cabinet members.

10:37 AM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

Democrat Concedes In FL-GOV

After a long night of counting in Florida, Republican Rick Scott has won the gubernatorial race.

10:33 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

Barbour: O'Donnell Suffered From 'Unfair Treatment'

RGA chair Haley Barbour, asked this morning about Christine O'Donnell blaming the GOP establishment for her loss, said the Delaware Senate candidate experienced "unfair treatment" from the press, which painted her as a "wacko." He also noted that Delaware is a tough state for someone as right as O'Donnell.

"It's hard to elect somebody that conservative for senator from" Delaware, he said.

10:31 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Missouri Passes Anti-Puppy Mill Legislation

Missouri passed Proposition B last night with 51% in favor, STLtoday.com reports. The proposal aimed to enforce tougher restrictions on breeders in order to prevent puppy mills.

10:25 AM | Ben Frumin | #

WATCH: Blumenthal's And McMahon's Speeches

Watch the victory and concession speeches in the Connecticut Senate race.

10:19 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Nikki Haley Not Ready To Endorse Sarah Palin

South Carolina Governor-elect Nikki Haley (R) said on the Today Show this morning that though she is "grateful" for Sarah Palin's support, "I think it's definitely too early to make any of those decisions, but I will weigh out all the issues when it's time."

10:18 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

New York State Senate Up In The Air

The New York Times reports:

On an otherwise disappointing night for New York Republicans, the party appeared to be on the verge of either retaking the State Senate or throwing the chamber into a tie, but a few crucial races remained undecided in the morning hours.

Much was at stake: The next Legislature will redraw district lines for the next decade, not just for state seats, but also for Congressional ones in New York.

In the early hours of Wednesday, both sides were claiming victory in the overall Senate battle. But based on the results through 9 a.m., the Senate would be split 31-31. Three races remained undecided -- two leaning Democratic and one leaning Republican -- leaving the ultimate outcome uncertain.

10:16 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

In Big Upset, GOP Wins Minnesota Legislature

The Star Tribune reports:

In a stunning victory, Republicans swept into the majority in the Minnesota Senate for the first time in more than a generation and by early Wednesday had followed that by also taking control of the House.

The dual victories left many of the state's top DFLers speechless, and erased months of optimistic projections that the party would buck a nationwide trend toward Republicans.

10:15 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Rand Paul: 'The Tea Party Is Equal Chastisement To Both Parties'

On MSNBC this morning, Rand Paul said that "the Tea Party is equal parts chastisement to both parties."

"When Republicans were in charge we doubled the debt. When Democrats were in charge they're tripling the debt," he said.

10:12 AM | Eric Lach | #

Denver Post Calls CO-SEN For Bennet

The Denver Post has called the Colorado Senate race for Sen. Michael Bennet.

10:08 AM | Eric Lach | #

Bayh: 'Democrats Over-Interpreted Our Mandate'

Retiring Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) wrote in a New York Times op-ed today that the lesson of last night's election was that the party "overreached" and was "too deferential to our most zealous supporters."

10:04 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

South Carolina Passes All Four State Amendments

WLTX reports:

The first amendment question asked if voters thought that hunting and fishing should be a constitutional right in the Palmetto State. Amendment One would also allow the state to provide "proper wildlife management" and the protection of "private property rights."

The second amendment, that would allow for union voting to be done by secret ballot also passed.

The third and fourth amendments dealth with the state's "Rainy Day" fund, or their General Reserve Fund and Capital Reserve Funds. The passing of Amenment Three requires that the state put 5 percent of the previous year's revenue into the fund, rather than the previously required 3 percent. The passing of Amendment Four requires that the Capital Fund's first priority is to replenish the "Rainy Day Fund" instead of offsetting midyear budget cuts to state agencies.

10:03 AM | Eric Lach | #

Romney Hammers Obama On Economy In Op-Ed

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney penned an op-ed in The Washington Post today, attacking President Obama on his handling of the financial crisis. "So far, the president and his fellow travelers in Congress have made things worse," Romney writes.

10:02 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Pence: No Higher Priority Than Extending Tax Cuts

Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) said on Fox News today that the Republicans won't have "any higher priority" than making sure "no American sees a tax increase." He added that they will also pursue "additional" and "across the board tax relief."

10:01 AM | Brian Beutler | #

Humble Republicans To Host Conference Call, Passcode: VICTORY

Republican leaders are publicly insist that they're not celebrating the outcome of last night's election, and doing their best to contain their glee. But signs of hubris are spilling out. At 10:30 this morning, RNC Chairman Michael Steele and RNC Political Director Gentry Collins will hold a press conference call. The passcode to access that call? "VICTORY"

9:58 AM | Brian Beutler | #

Top Republicans To Hold 11:30 Press Conference

House Republican Leader John Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, chair of the Republican Governor's Association, will hold a Capitol Hill press conference at 11:30 this morning to discuss the GOP agenda.

9:58 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Oklahoma Voters Approve Ban On Sharia Law

As Justin Elliott reports:

The man responsible for getting the issue on the ballot, State Representative Rex Duncan, argued that the measure "will constitute a pre-emptive strike against Shariah law coming to Oklahoma."

The measure amends the state constitution to forbid "courts from considering or using Sharia Law." It defines Sharia as Islamic law "based on two principal sources, the Koran and the teaching of Mohammed."

9:57 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

GOPer Rick Scott Declares Victory In FL-GOV, Dem Alex Sink Not Conceding

The Orlando Sentinel reports:

Republican Rick Scott proclaimed himself the next governor of Florida as he clung to a narrow lead this morning over Democrat Alex Sink in one of the closest, costliest and most politically significant gubernatorial slugfests in the country.

With all but a fraction of the votes counted at 7 a.m., Scott held at 48.81 percent to Sink's 47.8 percent -- less than 53,000 votes.

9:56 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

DeMint To Tea Party Senators: Don't Let Mainstream GOP Co-opt You

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), in an op-ed today in the Wall Street Journal, warns his new tea party colleagues to resist the efforts of the mainstream GOP to assimilate them:

Many of the people who will be welcoming the new class of Senate conservatives to Washington never wanted you here in the first place. The establishment is much more likely to try to buy off your votes than to buy into your limited-government philosophy. Consider what former GOP senator-turned-lobbyist Trent Lott told the Washington Post earlier this year: "As soon as they get here, we need to co-opt them."

Don't let them. Co-option is coercion. Washington operates on a favor-based economy and for every earmark, committee assignment or fancy title that's given, payback is expected in return. The chits come due when the roll call votes begin. This is how big-spending bills that everyone always decries in public always manage to pass with just enough votes.

9:52 AM | Brian Beutler | #

WATCH: Sharron Angle Boasts Of Raising Millions From Out Of State Donors (VIDEO)

Most politicians try to distance themselves from money filtering into their races from out-of-state, or out-of-district. But in her concession speech last night, Sharron Angle actually boasted that a big chunk of her $14 million haul last quarter came from donors whom she wouldn't even have been representing.

9:37 AM | Ben Frumin | #

WATCH: Coons' And O'Donnell's Speeches

Watch the victory and concession speeches from the Delaware Senate race right here.

9:24 AM | Ben Frumin | #

WATCH: Rubio's Victory Speech

Watch the Republican Senator-elect from Florida's victory speech here.

9:19 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Another Minnesota Recount??? Gov Race Goes Down To The Wire

Here we go again...

9:00 AM | Brian Beutler | #

Broad And Deep: A Quick Look The GOP's Big Victory In The House

Dems had a significant majority going in to yesterday's election, so the greatest losses were suffered by junior members. Most of them were fully expected. But when you lose this many seats, invariably some surprises get swept along with the tide.

8:49 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

No Calls In AK, CO And WA: The Latest On The Senate Numbers

With Harry Reid's victory in Nevada, Democrats have kept control of the Senate. But how narrow will their majority be? As things stand now, Democrats have 49 seats, Republicans 46, and two independents who caucus with the Dems. Let's take a look at the three outstanding Senate results.

8:47 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Pence: We Need To Rip Up Health Care 'Root And Branch'

Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) said on CNN today that now that they have control of the House, the Republicans need to rip up health care "root and branch," and replace it with something else.

8:02 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Dems Giffords And Grijalva Ahead, Too Close To Call In Arizona

The Arizona Daily Star reports:

U.S. Reps. Gabrielle Giffords' and Raúl Grijalva's re-election races were too close to call early today as the vote count continued overnight.

Both Democrats held leads of a few thousand over Republican challengers Jesse Kelly and Ruth McClung, respectively, with at least 35,000 Pima County votes still to count.

Shortly before 11 p.m. Grijalva gave a victory speech to supporters at his campaign headquarters, but with many uncounted ballots also remaining in the outlying counties that make up parts of both districts, the races remained close even early this morning.

7:49 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

18-Term Dem Oberstar Loses In Minnesota

The Star-Tribune reports:

Rep. Jim Oberstar, who for 18 terms represented one of the safest Democratic seats in the nation, was swept out of office by Republican Chip Cravaack, a newcomer to politics.

Cravaack won 48 percent to 47 percent.

7:31 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Full Election Results

Miss anything last night? Check out the full election results at our interactive map here.

11/ 3/2010, 2:51 AM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

Murkowski's Good News Means No Quick End To AK-SEN

Early results from Alaska suggest weeks of write-in counting ahead before a winner is declared in the Senate race.

11/ 3/2010, 2:11 AM | Megan Carpentier | #

Harry Reid's Victory Speech Has Words For Supporters And Naysayers

In Sen. Harry Reid's (D-NV) victory speech, he thanked supporters, warned his future opponents in the Senate and had a few choice words for the people who counted him out this week.

"My story and this night proved that 'difficult' is not synonymous with 'impossible.'"

Read more here.

11/ 3/2010, 1:57 AM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

Pelosi: No Regrets On Election Night

Speaker Pelosi released the following statement regarding tonight's GOP takeover of the House:

"Over the last four years, the Democratic Majority in the House took courageous action on behalf of America's middle class to create jobs and save the country from the worst economic catastrophe since the Great Depression.

Our Members and candidates ran remarkable campaigns led by the superb leadership of DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen.

"The outcome of the election does not diminish the work we have done for the American people. We must all strive to find common ground to support the middle class, create jobs, reduce the deficit and move our nation forward."

11/ 3/2010, 1:43 AM | Megan Carpentier | #

AP Election Numbers Leave Colorado Senate Results In Flux

With a tight Senate race between Sen. Michael Bennet (D) and Ken Buck (R) in the balance, MSNBC reports that a clerical error by the Associated Press may have shifted 40,000 votes to Buck's column by mistake -- either from Boulder or Denver. Half the results from Boulder are uncounted and half in Denver are as well.

Results from Boulder to date show Bennet with almost 67% of the vote (and Buck with less than 40,000 votes overall). Results from Denver to date show Bennet with a 71% lead.

11/ 3/2010, 1:17 AM | Megan Carpentier | #

California's Prop 19 Goes Up In Smoke

Voters in California decided today to reject a ballot initiative that would have legalized marijuana. California pot users will have to continue to get prescriptions in order to toke up legally.

11/ 3/2010, 1:15 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Bat-Wielding Paladino Concedes: 'You Have Not Heard The Last Of Carl Paladino' (VIDEO)

In his concession speech tonight, failed New York Governor candidate Carl Paladino resorted to his old "take a baseball bat to Albany" metaphor, by whipping out a baseball bat and saying he has a message for Democrat Andrew Cuomo: "As our Governor, you can grab this handle and bring the people with you to Albany. Or you can leave it untouched, and run the risk of having it wielded against you. Because make no mistake, you have not heard the last of Carl Paladino."

Watch here.

11/ 3/2010, 1:09 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Jon Stewart: Tonight We Learned It's Better To Support Prostitutes Than Social Security (VIDEO)

Jon Stewart was covering the election live tonight, and he was a little surprised that Republican Sen. David Vitter "has absolutely destroyed his challenger by going out with hookers. So really what is the message we're sending America tonight? It is better, I think, to go see prostitutes than in fact to believe Social Security is a right."

Watch here.

11/ 3/2010, 12:57 AM | Megan Carpentier | #

Dems Quietly Call It A Night

After facing down tonight's "bloodbath," House Democratic leaders quietly closed up shop at their party and headed home. They apparently plan to leave the main concession speech to President Obama in the morning.

11/ 3/2010, 12:56 AM | Megan Carpentier | #

Harry Reid Wins Over Sharron Angle In Nevada

How did Harry Reid manage to defy expectations and hang on to his Senate seat in Nevada? Helping choose his opponent, exploiting her strengths and working the best ground game possible. More on that here.

11/ 3/2010, 12:43 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Comeback Kid: GOPer Pat Toomey Finally Gets To The Senate

Pennsylvania voters chose Republican Pat Toomey to take over the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Arlen Specter (D) tonight.

11/ 3/2010, 12:42 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Boehner Cries, GOP Cheers: GOP Claims Victory In The House

The next Speaker of the House is one emotional dude. As he celebrated the end of Democratic rule in the lower house of Congress with several hundred friends in downtown Washington, John Boehner broke down and cried while the crowd chanted "USA! USA!"

11/ 3/2010, 12:26 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

Alvin Greene Releases Comic Book, Of Himself, The Night He Loses

Can't make this stuff up, folks.

11/ 3/2010, 12:26 AM | Eric Lach | #

Mark Kirk Wins Obama's Old Senate Seat For The GOP

Republican Rep. Mark Kirk was won the Illinois Senate race over Alexi Giannoulias, and snatched President Obama's old seat away from the Democrats.

11/ 3/2010, 12:19 AM | Eric Lach | #

MSNBC Calls IL-SEN For GOPer Kirk

MSNBC has just called the Illinois Senate race for Republican Rep. Mark Kirk.

11/ 3/2010, 12:19 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Chris Matthews To Bachmann: Did Someone Hypnotize You? (VIDEO)

Chris Matthews talked to Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) on MSNBC tonight, and got a bit frustrated when she wouldn't answer his questions: "Congresswoman Bachmann -- are you hypnotized tonight? Has someone hypnotized you? Because no matter what I ask you, you give the same answer. Are you hypnotized, has someone put you under a trance tonight?

Bachmann replied: "I think the American people are the ones that finally are speaking tonight. We're coming out of our trance, really we're coming out of our nightmare. I think that people are thrilled tonight. I imagine that thrill is probably not quite so tingly on your leg anymore."

Watch here.

11/ 3/2010, 12:12 AM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

FreedomWorks Official: 'This Was A Big Night'

"This is the culmination of a lot of hard work and a lot of excitement," FreedomWorks Vice President for Public Policy Max Pappas told me late Tuesday night. "It's a real shake up of the establishment, both for the Republicans and for the Democrats."

"The Democrats are losing control of Congress, and they President is going to have a very hard time pushing through the agenda that he was able to push through with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid without Nancy Pelosi running the House," Pappas said.

"If you look at some of the candidates that are winning, these are the Tea Party backed candidates that the establishment wasn't so excited about at first. Rand Paul has won in Kentucky, Marcio Rubio has won in Florida, Mike Lee has won in Utah. Those are great new candidates that don't fit the usual mold of Republican Senator."

"I think it is going to change the center of gravity in Washington," he said. "I think we're going to see a new type of debate."

11/ 3/2010, 12:04 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Republican Kasich Knocks Off Dem Strickland In OH-GOV

Breaking: a strong conservative has defeated a Democratic incumbent in a swing state with high unemployment. According to the AP, John Kasich has become the latest Republican to play out the storyline of 2010 by defeating Gov. Ted Strickland in the Ohio gubernatorial race.

With 9.593 of 9,910 precincts reporting, Kasich leads 50.3%-47.3% and the AP and Fox News have called the race.

11/ 2/2010, 11:52 PM | Megan Carpentier | #

Rahm Needs A Little Help From His Friends

Current Chicago mayoral candidate, former White House Chief of Staff (and the former Congressman considered one of the architects of the "big tent" strategy that brought the Dems to power in 2006) Rahm Emanuel might be more "you" than Christine O'Donnell.

Lynn Sweet reports on what he's doing tonight:

Quipped an aide: "He's with friends and a bottle of Jack Daniels."

11/ 2/2010, 11:36 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Paladino, At Concession Speech, Waves A Baseball Bat

Carl Paladino, erstwhile Republican candidate for New York governor who lost tonight to Andrew Cuomo, used his concession speech as an occasion to wave a baseball bat around and cry, "You have not heard the last from Carl Paladino."

11/ 2/2010, 11:31 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

The Moonbeam Shines Once More, As Jerry Brown Beats Meg Whitman For CA-GOV

Democrat Jerry Brown has won the California gubernatorial race, proving that there is a second act in politics -- and a third, and a fourth, and a fifth -- with the 72-year-old defeating Republican former eBay CEO Meg Whitman to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

11/ 2/2010, 11:28 PM | Eric Lach | #

GOP Takes Retiring Rep. Stupak's Seat

The Hill reports that Republican Dan Benishek has won the battle to replace Rep. Bart Stupak (D).

11/ 2/2010, 11:24 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Rendell: 'It's Very Difficult To Overcome' Bad Economy

A subdued Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA), former head of the DGA, says it is "very difficult to overcome" a bad economy.

"We just didn't sell 'em," he said.

11/ 2/2010, 11:19 PM | Brian Beutler | #

Feingold Not Conceding -- Madison Votes Not Counted, Campaign Manager Says

Via the blog WisPolitics, Feingold is not conceding. "Russ is down by 80,000 votes, but...up to 1.4 million votes haven't been counted," his campaign manager, George Aldrich, said at Feingold HQ.

"[N]ot a single vote" from the liberal city of Madison has been counted yet.

"We are confident that this race is going to tighten, it is going to tighten quickly, and we may be in for a long night here," he said.

11/ 2/2010, 11:06 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

No African-Americans In Next Year's Senate

From CNN:

Despite record election achievements by African-Americans in the House, the United States Senate will not have an African-American in its ranks.

All three black Senate candidates, Kendrick Meek (D-FL), Alvin Greene (D-SC) and Mike Thurmond (D-GA) are projected to lose tonight. The only incumbent black senator, Roland Burris (Ill.-D), is retiring.

11/ 2/2010, 11:05 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Christine O'Donnell In Concession Speech: 'We Have Won' (VIDEO)

Republican Christine O'Donnell may have lost the race for Delaware Senate tonight, but in her concession speech she was unfazed: "We worked hard, we had an incredible victory. Be encouraged. We have won. The Delaware political system will never be the same."

Watch here.

11/ 2/2010, 11:03 PM | Ben Frumin | #

Barbour: New GOP House Majority Will Last

Haley Barbour told the crowd at NRCC election headquarters to settle in for a nice long run in the Congressional majority after tonight.

11/ 2/2010, 11:02 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Rand Paul: We All Work For Or Sell Stuff To Rich People (VIDEO)

Fresh off his Kentucky Senate win, Rand Paul had some interesting things to say about a possible tax increase for the highest-income Americans: "We all either work for rich people, or we sell stuff to rich people. So just punishing rich people is as bad for the economy as punishing anyone."

Watch here.

11/ 2/2010, 10:44 PM | Eric Lach | #

MA Gov. Patrick Wins Reelection

The Boston Globe reports that Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has won reelection, defeating Republican Charlie Baker.

11/ 2/2010, 10:41 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

The End Of A Progressive Champion: Russ Feingold Loses To Ron Johnson

As the Republican wave spreads across the country, it's time to say goodbye to one of the big-name progressive champions of the past 18 years: Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), champion of campaign finance reform and longtime opponent of the Patriot Act, has gone down in defeat against Republican businessman Ron Johnson. It marks the first time since 1986 that Republicans have won a Senate race here.

11/ 2/2010, 10:40 PM | Ben Frumin | #

GOP Rep. Joseph Cao Loses In LA-02

In one of what seems sure to be a very small number of Dem pickups tonight, Democrat Cedric Richmond has beaten GOP Rep. Joseph Cao, the AP projects.

11/ 2/2010, 10:33 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Nikki Haley Wins Race For South Carolina Governor

MSNBC reports that Republican Nikki Haley has won the race for South Carolina Governor against Democrat Vincent Sheheen.

11/ 2/2010, 10:32 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Menendez: 'We'd Like To Call Joe Sestak The Comeback Kid Once Again'

DSCC chair Sen. Robert Menendez said on MSNBC he's hopeful that Joe Sestak, who is leading as results come in, will take a surprise win in Pennsylvania.

11/ 2/2010, 10:30 PM | Eric Lach | #

Dem Hickenlooper Wins The CO Gubernatorial Race After All

Democrat John Hickenlooper has won the Colorado gubernatorial race, successfully overcoming a late charge by American Constitution Party candidate Tom Tancredo.

11/ 2/2010, 10:25 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Neck And Neck In PA-SEN

With 81% of precincts reporting in the Pennsylvania Senate race, Democrat Joe Sestak holds on to a slender 51%-49% lead against Republican Pat Toomey.

11/ 2/2010, 10:23 PM | Eric Lach | #

MSNBC Calls CO-GOV Race For Dem Hickenlooper

MSNBC has just called the Colorado gubernatorial race for Democrat John Hickenlooper, over American Constitution Party Candidate Tom Tancredo.

11/ 2/2010, 10:12 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

GOPer Walker Wins WI-GOV

Fox News has projected that Republican Scott Walker has won the Wisconsin gubernatorial race, defeating Democrat Tom Barrett to succeed retiring Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle.

11/ 2/2010, 10:05 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Rand Paul In Victory Speech: This Is A 'Tea Party Tidal Wave' (VIDEO)

Kentucky Senator-elect Rand Paul's victory speech tonight heavily referenced his speech from his Republican primary night win: "I have a message, a message from the people. The people of Kentucky. A message that is loud and clear and does not mince words: We've come to take our government back!"

"Tonight there's a tea party tidal wave, and we're sending a message to them," said Paul.

Watch it here.

11/ 2/2010, 10:05 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Rand Paul In Victory Speech: This Is A 'Tea Party Tidal Wave' (VIDEO)

Kentucky Senator-elect Rand Paul's victory speech tonight heavily referenced his speech from his Republican primary night win: "I have a message, a message from the people. The people of Kentucky. A message that is loud and clear and does not mince words: We've come to take our government back!"

"Tonight there's a tea party tidal wave, and we're sending a message to them," said Paul.

Watch it here.

11/ 2/2010, 10:04 PM | Ben Frumin | #

McCain And Grassley Win Re-Election

Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) have both easily won re-election, several cable networks are projecting.

11/ 2/2010, 10:02 PM | Eric Lach | #

Giannoulias Leads In IL-SEN

With 5,056 of 11,209 precincts reporting, Democrat Alexi Giannoulias leads Republican Mark Kirk in the Illinois Senate race 52.90%-44.10%

Giannoulias and Kirk have been battling it out in a close race for months, trying to win President Obama's old Senate seat.

11/ 2/2010, 9:53 PM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

McConnell: I'm Going To Be The Leader Of A Huge Army

NRCC ELECTION HQ -- Mitch McConnell may not be headed for the Majority Leader's office after tonight is over, but he says he's happy for the wins he did get.

He called tonight's wins by Republicans in races across the country evidence that Americans have caught a case of "buyer's remorse" when it comes to President Obama, and he hinted that his new expanded caucus will see to it that remorse turns into opposition.

"I'm going to be the leader of huge army," he said to cheers here.

11/ 2/2010, 9:52 PM | Ben Frumin | #

Dem Sestak Leads In PA-SEN

With 4,133 of 9,241 of precincts reporting, Democrat Joe Sestak leads Republican Pat Toomey 54.3%-45.7% in the Pennsylvania Senate race.

Sestak has surged in the polls in recent weeks -- though Toomey had retained a small lead. If Sestak came from behind to beat Toomey -- much as he came from behind to beat Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) in the Democratic primary in the spring -- it would likely be one of the biggest upsets of the night. And it would go a long way to helping Dems keep their Senate majority.

11/ 2/2010, 9:52 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

McCaskill: 'We Can Do Better Communicating'

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) on what Democrats need to do in the future: "We need to take a look in the mirror and say, 'We can do better communicating.'"

She also said Republicans have a "No moderates welcome" sign on the door.

11/ 2/2010, 9:50 PM | Brian Beutler | #

Kaine Acknowledges GOP Will Take The House

In a live TV interview at DNC headquarters, DNC chairman Tim Kaine acknowledged that Republicans will take the House of Representative.

"We're likely to end up with a Democrat in White House, Republican governors, a Democratic Senate, and a Republican house," he said.

"It's a tough night for us in the House. But the big picture nationally is you guys have to work together, we're seeing progress and I think we're gonna see an awful lot more."

11/ 2/2010, 9:46 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Shea-Porter Defeated

From CQ: "Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.) has fallen to Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta in the Granite State's 1st district. "

11/ 2/2010, 9:42 PM | Brian Beutler | #

Blunt Defeats Carnahan In Missouri Senate Race

The Missouri Senate delegation will remain divided in 2011, as tonight Republican Rep. Roy Blunt defeated Democrat Robin Carnahan to fill the seat being vacated by Sen. Kit Bond.

11/ 2/2010, 9:34 PM | Brian Beutler | #

Vitter Shellacks Melancon

If the Louisiana Senate race was a referendum on Democratic rule, it was also a referendum on Sen. David Vitter (R). He joined the House in 1999 as a values conservative on the right flank of the Republican party, replacing the disgraced Bob Livingston. Rumors swirled around Vitter for years, but he nonetheless moved to the Senate in 2005 replacing the retiring Democrat John Breaux. His reputation was shattered in 2007, though, when he was discovered to have solicited prostitutes in both Washington DC and Louisiana.

Tonight, however, he defeated Democratic Rep. Charlie Melancon in one of the most vicious campaigns of the 2010 cycle.

11/ 2/2010, 9:33 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Dem Rep. Allen Boyd Loses In Florida

CBS and Fox News have projected that conservative Democratic Rep. Allen Boyd has lost re-election.

11/ 2/2010, 9:31 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Republican Jerry Moran Wins Senate Seat In Kansas

Rep. Jerry Moran (R) has won the Senate race in Kansas to succeed Sam Brownback, the AP reports.

11/ 2/2010, 9:28 PM | Ben Frumin | #

Cable Nets Call The House For Republicans

CNN, Fox News and MSNBC all project that Republicans will win control of the House.

11/ 2/2010, 9:28 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Republican Sam Brownback Wins Race For Kansas Governor

Sam Brownback has won the race for Governor of Kansas, the AP reports.

11/ 2/2010, 9:27 PM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

Alaska Producers Fired Over Jokes About Joe Miller Story

Two producers for the Alaska television station KTVA are no longer with the CBS affiliate after an internal assessment found that they made comments that were were not in line with the station's standards, the channel said in a press release late Tuesday.

11/ 2/2010, 9:25 PM | Brian Beutler | #

Van Hollen Gets Feisty Over News Of Network Calling House For GOP

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen paid a visit to DNC head quarters to tell reporters that despite early losses, he still thinks Democrats can keep the House.

"Those were the [seats] who were expected to be called," he said of the first returns.

When a reporter from a different outlet told him that her network had already called a GOP takeover of the House, a visibly flustered Van Hollen insisted repeatedly "I think that's a mistake."

11/ 2/2010, 9:24 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Nazi-Reenactor Rich Iott Loses House Bid

Rich Iott, the Republican businessman and House candidate who became known across the country for his war reenactments of Nazi SS soldiers, has been projected by the local Fox station to have lost his bid against incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur.

11/ 2/2010, 9:23 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Republican John Hoeven Wins Race For Byron Dorgan's Senate Seat

John Hoeven (R-ND) has won the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Byron Dorgan, CNN projects.

11/ 2/2010, 9:23 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

OK OK's Sharia Ban

Oklahoma voters have approved a proposition that bans the institution of international or Sharia law in the state, voting 75%-25% as of 9:23 p.m.

Oklahoma also approved propositions that make English the official language and require photo identification at the polls.

11/ 2/2010, 9:21 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

John Thune Wins Re-Election In South Dakota

Republican Sen. John Thune unsurprisingly wins his unopposed campaign for re-election in South Dakota, CNN reports.

11/ 2/2010, 9:19 PM | Ben Frumin | #

Dem Gov. O'Malley Wins Re-Election In Maryland

Fox and ABC News project that Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-MD) has won his re-election bid.

11/ 2/2010, 9:17 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Chuck Schumer Wins Re-Election In New York

CNN is projecting that Sen. Chuck Schumer has won re-election in New York, over Republican Jay Townshend.

11/ 2/2010, 9:14 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Sen. Gillibrand Wins Re-Election In New York

CNN projects that Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has won re-election in New York, beating out Republican candidate Joe DioGuardi.

11/ 2/2010, 9:13 PM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

Grayson And Periello Go Down; GOP Lovin it

My first dispatch of the night from NRCC election HQ in DC includes this gem from Michael Steele:

"To our grassroots who got up early and knocked on doors late, we thank you," Steele said. "Thank you for helping us to pull this elephant, if you will, across the finish line. To turn the elephant to face the future."

11/ 2/2010, 9:12 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Rick Perry Wins Re-Election as Texas Governor

CNN and CBS project that Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) has won re-election, defeating former Houston Mayor Bill White.

11/ 2/2010, 9:11 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Andrew Cuomo Wins Race For New York Governor Over Carl Paladino

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (D) has won the race for New York Governor over Carl Paladino (R).

With 0% of precincts reporting, CNN projects that Cuomo is the winner.

11/ 2/2010, 8:59 PM | Brian Beutler | #

Dem Sources Hold Out Hope For Feingold

Two Democratic sources tell TPM that their exit poll data shows Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) either tied with or down by the thinnest of margins against his Republican challenger Ron Johnson.

A senior Dem source says one exit poll has them down by a point. The other has it dead even.

11/ 2/2010, 8:58 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Dem Rep. Baron Hill Projected To Lose

The Associated Press reports that Rep. Baron Hill (D-IN) has lost re-election to Republican Todd Young.

Hill first won the seat in 1998, later losing it narrowly in 2004. He came back and won it again in the very Democratic year of 2006, held it again in 2008 -- and ultimately lost it again in another Republican year in 2010.

11/ 2/2010, 8:56 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Two Virginia Dems Go Down -- And It Could Get Worse

It's looking like a bloodbath tonight for Virginia Democrats, with two incumbent Congressmen already going down to defeat -- and possibly more on the way.

Late Update: ABC and CBS have called VA-02 for Rigell. That's three Democrats losing in Virginia, with a possible fourth on the way.

11/ 2/2010, 8:56 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Blackburn: To Balance Budget, Cut Everything -- Except Defense

Chris Matthews grills Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on what a GOP House would do after she says they would cut discretionary spending "across the board" -- but balks at the suggestion they would cut defense spending.

She said after those cuts were made, they could have "an adult conversation" about Medicare and Social Security.

11/ 2/2010, 8:55 PM | Brian Beutler | #

Recount Possible In Key Kentucky House Race

With over 80 percent of precincts reporting, incumbent Dem Ben Chandler of Kentucky's sixth congressional district is holding on to a razor thin lead over his Republican opponent Andy Barr. With over 80 percent of districts reporting, Chandler enjoys a 500 vote margin. This is a seat Dems regard as a bellwether, and at least one Dem source suggests it will likely end in the recount.

11/ 2/2010, 8:52 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Steele On A GOP House: 'The Tone Will Be Different'

RNC chair Michael Steele on a Republican House: "The tone will be different."

11/ 2/2010, 8:50 PM | Ben Frumin | #

Alan Grayson's Political Career Dies Quickly

Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL), the freshman Democrat who defeated a Republican incumbent in 2008, and then became a star of the blogosphere and cable TV for his full-throated attacks against Republicans, has now gone down in crushing defeat, so soon after he burst onto the national scene.

11/ 2/2010, 8:50 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Republican Sen. Tom Coburn Wins Re-Election In Oklahoma

Republican Senator Tom Coburn has held on to his senate seat in Oklahoma, the AP reports.

11/ 2/2010, 8:41 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Country Roads Take Dems Home: Manchin Wins West Virginia Senate Seat

We now have a result in a key red state -- where Democrats have been saved the loss of the seat that was previously held by the late Dem Senator Robert Byrd since 1958 -- as Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin has defeated Republican businessman John Raese.

11/ 2/2010, 8:41 PM | Ben Frumin | #

Steele: Senate Majority's 'Gonna Be Tough To Get'

RNC Chairman just said on CNN that the Senate majority is "gonna be tough to get." He also predicted Republicans would win 55 seats in the House.

11/ 2/2010, 8:33 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Democrat Blanche Lincoln Loses Arkansas Senate Seat To Republican John Boozman

Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln has lost her Arkansas Senate seat to Republican John Boozman, several cable news networks are reporting.

11/ 2/2010, 8:29 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Blumenthal Pins Down McMahon, Wins Connecticut Senate Race

Unfortunately for Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, she couldn't write the ending to this storyline. In the Connecticut Senate race, Democratic state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has defeated McMahon, the Republican nominee, in the contest to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd.

11/ 2/2010, 8:21 PM | Ben Frumin | #

Republican Richard Burr Wins North Carolina Senate Race

MSNBC and Fox News are both projecting that Republican Richard Burr has beaten Democrat Elaine Marshall in the North Carolina Senate race.

11/ 2/2010, 8:18 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Traficant Loses Comeback Bid

Ex-con ex-Rep. Jim Traficant (D-OH), after a roller coaster of a fight to get his name on the ballot, has lost his bid to make a comeback and take the House seat he was expelled from in 2002.

11/ 2/2010, 8:16 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Gov. John Lynch (D) Wins Re-Election In New Hampshire

Democratic Gov. John Lynch has won re-election in New Hampshire, the AP is reporting.

11/ 2/2010, 8:14 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Polling Hours In Bridgeport, CT, Extended Til 10 After Ballots Run Out

After several polling places in Bridgeport, Conn., ran out of ballots today, polling locations throughout the city will stay open until 10 p.m.

11/ 2/2010, 8:12 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Sen. Johnny Isakson Wins Georgia Senate Race

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R) has held onto his Georgia senate seat, several cable news networks are projecting.

11/ 2/2010, 8:10 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Barbara Mikulski Wins Re-Election In Maryland

Democratic Sen. Barbara Mikulski has won re-election in Maryland, several cable news networks are projecting.

11/ 2/2010, 8:07 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Dems Projected To Win Delaware House Seat

CNN projects that Democrat John Carney has won the Delaware House race, picking up the Republican-held seat of retiring GOP Rep. Mike Castle, who left the seat to run unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for Senate.

11/ 2/2010, 8:07 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Richard Shelby Declared Winner Of Alabama Senate Race

Republican Sen. Richard Shelby will hold on to his Alabama senate seat, several cable news networks are projecting.

11/ 2/2010, 8:05 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Kelly Ayotte Wins New Hampshire Senate Race

Republican Kelly Ayotte has won the New Hampshire senate race against Democrat Paul Hodes, several cable news networks are projecting.

11/ 2/2010, 8:03 PM | Ben Frumin | #

Republican Marco Rubio Cruises To Victory In Florida Senate Race

Marco Rubio, who has actually been compared to a young Barack Obama by excited Republicans, has ascended to the U.S. Senate from the state of Florida. Rubio has handily defeated both Gov. Charlie Crist, the independent candidate, and Rep. Kendrick Meek, the Democrat -- a three-way sweep that quite literally is the stuff GOP dreams are made of.

With 649 of 6,881 precincts reporting, Rubio leads Crist and Meek 51.6-28.9-19.5. CNN and Fox News have called the race for Rubio.

11/ 2/2010, 8:02 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Democrat Chris Coons Beats The Memorable Christine O'Donnell For Delaware Senate Seat

In one disappointment for the Tea Party Movement tonight, Republican activist Christine O'Donnell has lost the Delaware Senate race to the Democratic nominee, New Castle County Executive Chris Coons.

11/ 2/2010, 7:56 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Dem Congressman Yarmuth Wins In Kentucky

The Associated Press projects that second-term Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY), a key swing-seat Dem who defeated a Republican incumbent in 2006, has been re-elected.

11/ 2/2010, 7:50 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Bennet: 'We Are Winning The Old-Fashioned Way'

Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) says on MSNBC that "We are winning this the old-fashioned way." He also said his hero is Abraham Lincoln -- fitting, he said, considering "the events of the last several months."

11/ 2/2010, 7:48 PM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

Early Robocall Reportedly Tells MD Voters To Relax, O'Malley Won

The campaign of Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley posted audio to its website today of what appears to be a misleading message being left for their supporters in the state.

"I'm calling to let everyone know that Gov. O'Malley and President Obama have been successful. Our goals have been met. The polls were correct, and we took [inaudible]," the message says. "We're okay. Relax. Everything is fine. The only thing left is to watch on TV tonight."

The robocalls reportedly went out sometime before 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, but the polls in Maryland don't close until 8 p.m.

11/ 2/2010, 7:47 PM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

Despite rumors, no voting problems reported in Nevada

The Hill reports:

LAS VEGAS -- There have been no official reports of voting irregularities Tuesday in Nevada, according to an official in the Secretary of State's Elections Division.

Rumors persist in southern Nevada of voting machines pre-programmed with Sen. Harry Reid's (D) name selected, the official said. But no voters who experienced that directly have come forward to file a complaint.

11/ 2/2010, 7:41 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Three U.S. Astronauts Vote From Space

From CNN:

Three Americans have cast their ballots from the most remote polling station in the solar system - the International Space Station, soaring 220 miles above the earth.

Navy Capt. Scott Kelly, U.S. Army Col. Douglas Wheelock and physicist Shannon Walker used a special "secure line" to the Johnson Space Center, which relayed the votes to the astronauts' respective home counties.

"It's an honor and a privilege to exercise our right as U.S. citizens to vote from the International Space Station," said Kelly, who said he voted on Sunday.

11/ 2/2010, 7:30 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

GOPer Portman Wins Ohio Senate Race

CNN, MSNBC and Fox News have projected Republican former Congressman and former Bush Administration official Rob Portman the winner of the Ohio Senate race, to succeed retiring two-term Republican Sen. George Voinovich.

11/ 2/2010, 7:19 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Voters Complain After Kitty Dukakis Hangs Out Outside Polls In MA

Kitty Dukakis, the wife of former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate Michael Dukakis, prompted calls to the secretary of state and local police after she was spotted hanging around outside three polling places in Hingham, Mass., greeting voters from within the 150-foot no-electioneering radius.

Observers said she was not carrying a sign and did not appear to be soliciting votes for any specific candidate.

11/ 2/2010, 7:16 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Cornyn: Kentucky 'Rebuked The Democrats' Misleading Attacks' Against Rand Paul

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement, following the victory of Sen.-elect Rand Paul (R-KY):

"After a spirited campaign, voters in the Bluegrass State rebuked the Democrats' misleading attacks and reckless spending agenda and elected Dr. Rand Paul as their U.S. Senator this evening. Kentuckians chose a commonsense leader who will work tirelessly to rein in the Obama Administration's job-killing tax hikes, out-of-control debt, and unpopular health care overhaul. I look forward to welcoming Senator-elect Paul to our nation's capital as we fight to restore much-needed accountability in Washington."

11/ 2/2010, 7:08 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

AP: DeMint Re-Elected

The Associated Press projects that Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) has been re-elected to a second term.

11/ 2/2010, 7:07 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

AP: Leahy Re-Elected

The Associated Press projects that Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) has been re-elected to a seventh term.

11/ 2/2010, 7:04 PM | Ben Frumin | #

Rand Paul Wins Kentucky Senate Race

Get ready for two Pauls, one Congress. Rand Paul, son of Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), won the Kentucky Senate race tonight, according to the cable news networks. With just 103 out of 3,578 precincts reporting, Paul leads Democrat Jack Conway 54.7-45.3. MSNBC and CNN have called the race for the Republican.

11/ 2/2010, 7:00 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Coats (R) Picks Up Indiana Senate Seat

Former Sen. Dan Coats (R-IN) has been projected the winner by Fox News and MSNBC in the Indiana Senate race, gaining a seat for the Republicans currently held by retiring Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh.

11/ 2/2010, 6:55 PM | Ben Frumin | #

Polls Close In Several East Coast States At 7 PM ET

In just a few minutes, the polls will be closed in several more states, including Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia.

11/ 2/2010, 6:46 PM | Eric Lach | #

Officials: Some CT Polling Places Ran Out Of Ballots

The CT Mirror reports that "numerous polling places" in Connecticut ran out of ballots today. A Bridgeport official said that at least 10 polling places in the city were without ballots late in the afternoon.

11/ 2/2010, 6:40 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Turnout In Clark County, NV, May Be Lower Than Expected

Jon Ralston tweets from Nevada:

As of 3 p.m., 100K had voted in Clark County. 190K had been forecast, but that seems unlikely. Tunrout may be lower than expected. #rft

At first glance, this could be bad news for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, but it also depends largely on how turnout works out everywhere else.

11/ 2/2010, 6:39 PM | Eric Lach | #

Report: PA Election Officials Remove Signs Aimed At Latinos

WHYY reports that election officials in Pennsylvania took down signs aimed at Latino voters today. A picture of one of the signs obtained by WHYY reads "LATINO NO VOTE."

11/ 2/2010, 6:07 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Obama Does Two More Last-Minute Radio Interviews

The White House just added two more radio interviews to President Obama's schedule this evening, for the Doug Banks Show and WVON Chicago.

11/ 2/2010, 6:05 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

ACORN Files For Bankruptcy

ACORN has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

11/ 2/2010, 6:00 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

You Voted! TPM Reader Pics From The Polls

TPM readers have sent in their pictures from on the ground in polling places across the country. Here are some of them...

11/ 2/2010, 5:28 PM | Eric Lach | #

ACORN Files Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis has written a blog post announcing that the organization "will be filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy by close of business today."

11/ 2/2010, 5:23 PM | Ben Frumin | #

First Polls Close At 6 PM ET

The polls close in Indiana and eastern Kentucky in just a little more than a half hour. See all the poll closing times here.

11/ 2/2010, 5:22 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

ABC Nixes Breitbart

After several biting back-and-forths, ABC News announced today that it is cutting conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart from ABC's election night coverage.

11/ 2/2010, 4:40 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Harold Ford Jr: Extend The Bush Tax Cuts

Former Rep. Harold Ford Jr (D-TN), who considered running against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand earlier this year, said today Democrats should "extend the Bush tax cuts [and] be willing to work with Republicans" after the election.

11/ 2/2010, 4:21 PM | Eric Lach | #

MA Sec. Of State: Turnout Strong In Boston Suburbs

Massachusetts Secretary of State William R. Galvin tells The Boston Globe that turnout is strong in the Boston suburbs with contested congressional races.

11/ 2/2010, 4:06 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

GOP Consultant's Sales Pitch: I Can Get You Morgan Freeman's Voice (Not!)

The plot has really thickened on that North Carolina GOP House candidate, B.J. Lawson, who ran an ad featuring a fake "Morgan Freeman" voiceover. It turns out that the GOP consultant who created the ad has a history of making a sales pitch to candidates: That he can get Morgan Freeman to record ads for them.

11/ 2/2010, 4:04 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Rand Paul Sets Sights 'Fairly Low': Balanced Budget Amendment To Constitution In 'First Couple Of Months'

Appearing just now on Your World With Neil Cavuto on Fox News, Senate candidate Rand Paul (R-KY) was asked about his policy ambitions if he is elected tonight, as is widely expected.

"I'm gonna set my sights fairly low," said Paul. "I'd just like to have the Balanced Budget Amendment passed in the first couple of months."

11/ 2/2010, 3:54 PM | Eric Lach | #

Report: Election Judge Shows Up For Work Drunk In Chicago

The Chicago Tribune reports that an election judge in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago called city election officials after a fellow judge showed up to work drunk.

11/ 2/2010, 3:38 PM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

New Black Panther Shows Back Up At Philly Polling Place Again

A member of the New Black Panther Party was spotted by a local Fox station today at the same polling location at which he was videotaped two years ago. His presence at that facility in 2008, along with a nightstick-wielding colleague, led to a controversial voter intimidation case that has dogged the Obama administration for over a year and a half.

Fox provided a photo of the individual and reported that he was seen outside the polling place "wearing a pin that indicated his party affiliation, along with a black hat, sunglasses and leather coat." The polling location, Guild House West, is located in a majority African-American neighborhood in northern Philadelphia.

11/ 2/2010, 3:11 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Perriello Campaign Office Vandalized

Politico reports:

Rep. Tom Perriello's Charlottesville, Va., office was vandalized last night -- and the vandal posted a sign for the Democrat's opponent, Republican Robert Hurt, outside the building.

The office was unoccupied early in the morning, between the hours of 2 a.m. and about 5:30 a.m., Perriello spokeswoman Jessica Barba told POLITICO. The intruder bent a screen and stole a box of door hangers that had been prepared for volunteers, who were to leave them for voters to direct them to the correct polling place.

University of Virginia students received fliers on their doors, pointing them to the wrong polling place, and the incident has been reported to police.

11/ 2/2010, 3:04 PM | Rachel Slajda | #

Cher: Not A Big Fan Of Jan Brewer

Cher, promoting her new movie Burlesque in Vanity Fair:

I got so obsessed with [C-SPAN] that it was kind of interfering with my life. Sarah Palin came on, and I thought, Oh, fuck, this is the end. Because a dumb woman is a dumb woman." On the subject of Arizona governor Jan Brewer, Cher says, "She was worse than Sarah Palin, if that is possible. This woman was like a deer in headlights. She's got a handle on the services of the state, and I would not let her handle the remote control.

Just in case you were wondering.

11/ 2/2010, 2:31 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Sharron Angle: We Shut Out The Media Because They're Unprofessional

Greg Sargent reports:

A perfect coda to the Nevada Senate race: In a radio interview this morning, Sharron Angle blamed the media for her campaign's decision to shut it out, slamming the press as "unprofessional" and adding that she thinks candidates should teach the media a "lesson" whenever they have the "opportunity."

Angle also described that recent episode where a reporter tried to ask her questions in an airport as "an ordeal."

11/ 2/2010, 2:17 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

'Mr. McMahon' Discovers Linda's $50 Million Senate Campaign In WWE Sketch (VIDEO)

World Wrestling Entertainment Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon starred Monday night in a comedy sketch on WWE about the political campaign of his wife and business partner Linda McMahon, the Republican nominee for Senator from Connecticut.

[H/T Gawker.]

11/ 2/2010, 2:11 PM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

Ohio Democrats Say They Like What They See

The Ohio Democratic party say they're hitting their GOTV numbers so far today. Locked in a tight gubernatorial race, party officials say "turnout in Cuyahoga County is on track with our projections" and they claim "the Republican stronghold of Butler County is projecting turnout to be 5 points lower than 2006, when enthusiasm was on the Democratic side."

11/ 2/2010, 2:09 PM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

Election Judges Dealing With Aggressive Poll Watchers In Minnesota

In Hennepin County, Minnesota -- one of the counties where conservatives groups have implemented an anti-voter fraud campaign called Election Integrity Watch -- election judges have had firm exchanges with overly aggressive poll watchers who did not seem to know their the role.

"I think we were very firm, we had to be very firm with some of the polling place challengers who wanted to have more range in the polling place than the law permitted them to," County Elections Manager Rachel Smith told TPMMuckraker. She said challengers were "having some questions" about where in the polling place they were allowed to stand.

11/ 2/2010, 1:50 PM | Eric Lach | #

Report: Palin Recorded Robocall Targeted At IL Conservatives

Lynn Sweet reports that Sarah Palin recorded a late-campaign robocall for the Faith & Freedom Coalition, which targeted conservative voters in Illinois.

11/ 2/2010, 1:46 PM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

Washington State Prepping Recount Operation

The Senate race looks like it's coming down to the wire in Washington -- and if it does, party officials are preparing for a recount fight, the Seattle Times reports.

11/ 2/2010, 1:20 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

McCain Attacks Reid For Luxurious Washington Home

Campaigning in Nevada for Senate nominee Sharron Angle, Sen. John McCain -- who himself lives in a Washington-area condo -- attacked Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D) D.C. residence:

As the Guardian reported:

On election day, McCain told the crowd: "We are going to kick Harry Reid out of his penthouse at the Ritz-Carlton and send him back to [his hometown of] Searchlight!"

During the home stretch of the campaign, Angle attacked Reid for living at the Ritz-Carlton, and falsely accused him on the campaign trail of going to Washington poor and enriching himself through his office. (Reid became wealthy as a lawyer and real-estate investor in the private sector, before he was ever elected to Congress.)

As Andrew Sullivan pointed out, this is the same John McCain who lost track of how many houses he owns during the 2008 presidential campaign.

11/ 2/2010, 12:53 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Gallup: GOP Enthusiasm Is Highest Gap In Recent Midterm History

A new Gallup poll finds:

The record level of overall enthusiasm is primarily the result of Republicans' heightened excitement -- 63% of Republicans (including Republican-leaning independents) say they are more enthusiastic than usual about voting. That not only greatly exceeds Democrats' expressed enthusiasm this year, but also is substantially higher than what Gallup has measured for either party's supporters on the eve of a midterm election.

The high level of Republican enthusiasm has led to the largest gap in enthusiasm by party of any recent midterm elections, 19 percentage points. The prior highs were nine points in favor of the Democrats in 2006, and nine points in favor of the Republicans in 1994.

11/ 2/2010, 12:05 PM | Jillian Rayfield | #

I Am Not A Witch...I'm Aqua Buddha?: The Most Iconic Moments From The 2010 Campaign

From the moment "Tom Campbell"'s eyes glowed red in Carly Fiorina's "Demon Sheep" ad, we knew this campaign season was going to be chock-full of bizarre and memorable memes. And we were right -- sheep, witches, and chickens were just a few of the iconic moments from the 2010 midterm elections.

So here are TPM's favorites...

11/ 2/2010, 11:31 AM | Eric Lach | #

Obama Holding Post-Election News Conference

The AP reports that President Obama will hold a news conference tomorrow at 1 pm in the East Room of the White House.

11/ 2/2010, 11:22 AM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

Hoyer: Republicans Depressing Turnout In Democratic Areas

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said in a last-minute fundraising e-mail for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee that Democrats have "already had disturbing reports about the Republicans trying to depress voter turnout in Democratic areas."

The DCCC will "have eyes and ears already on the ground, looking out for anything suspicious," Hoyer said in the e-mail. "They also have legal teams ready to be dispatched at a moment's notice any place where a recount is likely so we can decisively challenge all irregularities," he added.

11/ 2/2010, 11:19 AM | Eric Lach | #

Clinton Does Last Minute Robocall For Bennet

Open Secrets reports that former President Bill Clinton has recorded a last-minute robocall for Sen. Michael Bennet in Colorado.

11/ 2/2010, 10:54 AM | Ben Frumin | #

McCain Has Kind Words For Feingold

The Hill reports:

Asked on Fox News if he feels bad when his Senate colleagues lose, McCain said, "Yes, and if I may say so, I've grown to have the greatest respect and affection for my friend, Russ Feingold. He's an honest man, a man of great integrity, and I've grown to appreciate him more than ever. And it looks like he might be a casualty tomorrow."

11/ 2/2010, 10:53 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Recriminations Fly As Morgan Freeman Sucked Into NC GOPer's Hoax Ad (VIDEO)

Here's a fun last-minute scrap in Campaign 2010. B.J. Lawson, the Republican candidate against North Carolina Democratic Rep. David Price, ran a TV ad that featured a voiceover that sounded like Morgan Freeman. Then the campaign said it was Morgan Freeman -- and then Morgan Freeman, who has in the past supported Democratic candidates such as President Obama, made it quite clear that it wasn't him.

11/ 2/2010, 10:50 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Report: Heavy Voter Turnout In Missouri

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports:

Voter turnout has been heavy this morning throughout the region, with a battle to replace Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond leading the charge to the polls.

11/ 2/2010, 10:39 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

After Dispute, Bucks County PA Won't Count Absentee Ballots Until Wednesday

We've told you about the brouhaha in Bucks County, Pa., where Republicans have accused the Democrats of forging absentee ballot applications and the Democrats have accused the GOP, and the local board of elections, of disenfranchising voters. Now, we find out that the board will count the 8,000+ absentee ballots on Wednesday, the day after Election Day.

11/ 2/2010, 10:34 AM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

Judge Approves Tea Party Items At Polls In Sheriff Joe's Territory

Tea Partiers -- or supporters of any political cause or candidate -- will be allowed to wear their gear to the polls in Maricopa County, the Arizona Republic reports.

After a federal judge decided on Monday that "'tea party' T-shirt or any apparel that does not express support for or opposition to" a candidate, proposition or political party on the ballot should be allowed, a Maricopa County election official said she would not be able to retrain poll workers less than a day before the election. So Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell told the Arizona Republic she'll let any apparel in.

11/ 2/2010, 10:18 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Colbert: Sharron Angle's From The Desert And Uses Decoys - Just Like Saddam! (VIDEO)

Stephen Colbert figured out last night how Sharron Angle is pulling ahead in the Nevada Senate race: "What's the secret to the popularity of Angle's policies? That she keeps her policies a secret." Angle has repeatedly dodged the press during her campaign, even going so far as to using decoys to fool reporters.

"Bravo Miss Angle," Colbert said as he put up a picture of Saddam Hussein. "It has been a while since we've had a strong leader from a desert land who uses decoys."

Watch here.

11/ 2/2010, 10:11 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Jon Stewart Mocks Fox News For Erroneous 'Obama-Is-Racially-Intolerant' Flap (VIDEO)

Jon Stewart was incredulous last night that Fox News got riled up over President Obama's oft-repeated metaphor that Republicans "can come for the ride, but they gotta sit in back." Pretty harmless, Stewart said, but "have you heard that story the Fox way?" Sean Hannity was outraged to hear the President say Republicans have to sit "in the back" which he said is "not exactly a tasteful reference." Stewart asked: "You think the President's saying Republicans have to take it in the butt? That's filthy! Or is it something even stupider?"

It turns out it was something even stupider. As TPM reported previously, Fox News hosts complained that Obama's use of "back of the bus" is a racially insensitive invocation of Rosa Parks. "If this is a racial metaphor," Stewart said, "you aren't Rosa Parks. You're Miss Daisy."

Watch here.

11/ 2/2010, 10:10 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Parties Send Lawyers To States With Recount Possibilities

Roll Call reports:

Publicly, operatives from both parties said they are focused on winning elections. But attorneys and volunteers have already begun fanning out across the country, setting up camp in key tossup states -- Colorado, West Virginia, Nevada, Washington and California -- to monitor elections and be prepared for any recount fights.

11/ 2/2010, 10:10 AM | Marc Kilstein | #

Early Voting Reaches Historic High For Midterm Election

From The Washington Post:

A record number of voters have cast early ballots for a midterm election.

The total number of early votes has topped 16 million, according to one preliminary analysis, and is on track to be slightly shy of the historic number of early ballots cast in the 2008 presidential election.

11/ 2/2010, 10:07 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Could Third-Party Candidates Save Dems?

Christina Bellantoni reports:

From Florida to California, third-party candidates pulling a point or two of the vote on Election Day might make the difference between winning and losing.

"Forty-seven is the new 50," a Democratic official closely watching House races told Roll Call.

11/ 2/2010, 9:59 AM | Marc Kilstein | #

Pennsylvania Voter Turnout Higher Than Anticipated

From The Morning Call:

Voter turnout is reportedly higher than normal, shocking polls workers across the Lehigh Valley area who were not expecting much interest in races for key positions like senator in Washington, D.C., and governor in Harrisburg.

11/ 2/2010, 9:35 AM | Ben Frumin | #

TPM Election Center Interactive Map

Check this out. Our interactive map will be auto-updating throughout the night as election results roll in. Bookmark it!

11/ 2/2010, 9:28 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining: The GOP House Seats That Could Go Dem Tonight

So as we stare down the barrel of some big Democratic losses in the House today, let's look at another end of the equation. It's often noted that Republicans need to pick up 39 seats to win a majority, but it is also theoretically possible that they could pick up 39 seats and still not win control. Why? Because there are in fact a very small handful of seats that they hold that the Democrats could nevertheless pickup in even this bad year.

11/ 2/2010, 9:15 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

No Doubt About This: Record Spending On Congressional Races

Roll Call reports:

One aspect of the 2010 midterm elections will be all but settled by the time polls open today: The Supreme Court's decision earlier this year to throw out political spending restrictions has dramatically expanded the flow of money in federal elections.

"We're seeing a sea change in American politics unfolding here," said Fred Wertheimer, a campaign finance reform advocate and president of Democracy 21.

As of Monday, outside groups had spent $294.4 million in the runup to Election Day, more than every other midterm cycle since 1990 combined, according to the Center for Responsive Politics' OpenSecrets.org. This cycle's price tag is also just shy of spending totals for unions and politically minded nonprofit organizations during the 2008 election cycle, when a protracted presidential campaign pushed outside spending to $301.7 million.

11/ 2/2010, 9:15 AM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Dems And Allies Outspend GOP For House; GOP Outspends For Senate

The New York Times reports:

Despite a deluge of campaign spending over the last few months by Republican-leaning outside groups, Democratic candidates and their allies have outspent Republicans over all on television advertising in House races, according to data provided by Kantar Media's Campaign Media Analysis Group, which tracks political advertising. In Senate races, however, Republicans outspent Democrats.

11/ 2/2010, 9:07 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

Cornyn: We Would Welcome Lieberman

Sen. John Cornyn (R) told Fox News today that his caucus would welcome Sen. Joe Lieberman, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, if he should want to switch sides.

11/ 2/2010, 9:01 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Day Of The Tea Party? Election Day Answers Some, Not All Questions

Whatever happens, tonight's tally sheets will be all about the tea party -- those folks on TV will be counting candidates and races to see how big the tea party's influence in Washington will be in the end. There are several races to watch, but the main thing to remember is that the tea party can't really lose tonight: all they can really do is win less.

11/ 2/2010, 8:59 AM | Brian Beutler | #

Cornyn: Wisconsin Senate Race Is In The Bag

Asked this morning on Fox News which in play Senate races -- including Washington, Illinois, Wisconsin, and others -- he was most bullish about, Cornyn put Wisconsin in the win column for the GOP.

Wisconsin's "pretty much over," he said, suggesting he's certain Republican Ron Johnson will defeat incumbent Sen. Russ Feingold.

11/ 2/2010, 8:48 AM | Rachel Slajda | #

Reports Of Phone Trouble In NH; Dems, Wary Of 2002-Style Sabotage, Call AG

The New Hampshire Democrats this afternoon lost phone service at their local campaign offices in 11 towns, prompting them to notify the state attorney general. Comcast blamed the problem on political robocalls.

11/ 2/2010, 8:28 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Barbour On Presidential Run: 'I Haven't Given It Any Thought'

Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MI) was on Morning Joe this morning, and Joe Scarborough asked him if he is planning on running for President in 2012. "I haven't given it any thought," Barbour replied.

Joe wasn't having it: "I congratulate you on having the most disingenuous answer of the 2010 election season."

Barbour fired back: "You don't just give it a cursory thought when you're having a beer with your buddies. It takes very serious consideration."

11/ 2/2010, 8:22 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Rand Paul On CNN: We've Gotta Change 'The Whole Government'

Kentucky's Republican Senate nominee was just on CNN, and gave a sense of what we might expect from Senator Rand Paul: a constitutional amendment to balance the budget, sunsetting of all government regulations not approved by Congress, slashing of waste from the military budget, and possibly the attempted rollback of new banking regulations, which Paul called a "disaster for our economy."

11/ 2/2010, 8:05 AM | Brian Beutler | #

Dead Dems Walking: TPM's List Of Candidats Who've Been Written Off By Their Party

Assuming the House does change hands tonight, the big open question is how big the swing will be. There are scores of seats in play, but the battle lines have already moved past over a dozen House members who, in most cases, have already been written off by their own party.

11/ 2/2010, 8:02 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

WA Secretary Of State Predicts 66% Turnout

The AP reports:

Secretary of State Sam Reed predicts that 66 percent of Washington's 3.6 million voters - nearly 2.4 million - will vote in Tuesday's election.

His office says that would be the biggest participation since 1970.

11/ 2/2010, 8:00 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Michelle Obama Rallies Dems In Pennsylvania

The AP reports:

More than a thousand people packed into a chilly University of Pennsylvania quadrangle to hear first lady Michelle Obama tell young voters to support candidates who will help her husband advance his unfinished agenda.

Mrs. Obama told attendees at the Monday evening rally that digging out of the recession's depths is difficult. But she said "we have come too far" to stop advancing health care and educational opportunities.

11/ 2/2010, 7:56 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

FEC Complaint Filed Against Joe Miller Over Use Of Private Plane

The Alaska Dispatch reports:

According to a press release sent out Monday evening, registered Republican political activist, Andrée McLeod announced she had filed a complaint (check it out here) with the Federal Elections Commission against GOP nominee Joe Miller's U.S. Senate campaign.

According to the release, "U.S. Senate candidates flying on private aircraft in connection with campaign activities must pay the equivalent charter rate for the type of airplane used. Miller has been flying on a plane owned by Fairbanks lawyer Tom Wickwire. But, according to Miller's July FEC report, although he flew at least three times on Wickwire's plane, Miller only paid for the fuel and not the full charter price for comparable trips.

11/ 2/2010, 7:46 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Obama Does Conference Call For NH-SEN Candidate Hodes

President Obama took part in a last-minute conference call with supporters for New Hampshire senate candidate Paul Hodes, who has fallen behind Republican Kelly Ayotte. The Nashua Telegraph reports that the President called Hodes "tough, principled, independent," adding: "Outside groups have spent $5 million against Paul in this race. Why is that? Because they know Paul is not on their side and they are right; Paul has been on your side."

11/ 2/2010, 7:34 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Murkowski Nephews Dress Up As Miller Security Team For Halloween

Sen. Lisa Murkowski took a shot at her Republican opponent Joe Miller on Halloween, dressing her three nephews up as the security guards who detained Alaska Dispatch editor Tony Hopfinger at a recent town hall.

11/ 2/2010, 7:31 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Clinton Stumps For Conway: Paul Is 'In A Parallel Universe'

Bill Clinton stumped for Jack Conway in Kentucky last night, and took some hits at Republican Rand Paul by imitating him: "You ought to vote for me so we could get rid of the Americans With Disabilities Act, get rid of mining safety regulations. All of that."

"It's crazy isn't it? It's in a parallel universe," Clinton said.

11/ 2/2010, 7:26 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

AK-SEN Candidate McAdams Releases Personnel File

The Alaska Dispatch reports that Democrat Scott McAdams released his personnel file from during his time as a "museum security officer and visitors services supervisor for the state's Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka." McAdams' opponent Joe Miller had initially refused to release his own personnel file from his time at the Fairbanks North Star Borough, and was sued by several news organizations for its release.

According to the Dispatch:

McAdams' personnel file reflects a fairly unremarkable career there. A dependable and likeable employee by all accounts, he was given regular merit raises and received good

11/ 2/2010, 7:24 AM | Ben Frumin | #

MN Anti-Voter Fraud Group: Ignore Judge's Ruling Against 'I.D. Me' Buttons

Minnesota Majority, one of the groups behind the anti-voter fraud initiative in the state called "Election Integrity Watch," told supporters in an e-mail last night to go ahead and wear their "Please I.D. Me" buttons and Tea Party apparel to the polls today despite a federal judge's ruling yesterday that such items would interfere with the elections process.

11/ 2/2010, 7:15 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Scott: Dem Allies Have 'Shown Willingness' To Commit Voter Fraud

Allies of the Democratic Party "have shown a willingness to commit fraud across the country, in both this election cycle and recent years," the campaign of Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott said Monday in announcing his campaign's "Honest Voter Hotline."

11/ 2/2010, 7:11 AM | Jillian Rayfield | #

Paladino To Supporters: 'Let's Rock 'N Roll'

New York gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino is not ready to give up yet, telling supporters in Brighton, New York yesterday: "Let's rock 'n roll." When asked whether he can still win despite being way behind in the polls, News 10 NBC reports that he said: "Are you in a different world than I am?"

11/ 2/2010, 7:04 AM | Ben Frumin | #

Power To The People: Some Of The Biggest Ballot Measures Of 2010

Over half the states have propositions on the ballot and TPM has collected some of the most important, fascinating, and controversial questions voters will get the chance to answer for themselves in the voting booth.

11/ 2/2010, 6:57 AM | Ben Frumin | #

It's Election Day!

Follow all the latest developments here on the TPM Midterms Wire.

11/ 1/2010, 10:10 PM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

Vince McMahon Smacks DOJ For Warning Over Free WWE Gear

The Justice Department warned World Wrestling Entertainment that it will not look kindly on the pro wrestling company distributing free merchandise near polling places in Connecticut -- where its co-founder is on the ballot for U.S. Senator.

WWE "might be operating in ignorance of applicable federal criminal law" wrote Richard C. Pilger, Director of DOJ's Election Crimes Branch in a letter (PDF) to the WWE. The letter explained that federal law -- specifically section 1973i(c) of Title 42 of the United States Code -- "makes it a federal offense to pay or offer to pay an individual a thing of value for voting."

11/ 1/2010, 8:52 PM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

New AK-SEN Poll Shows Nearly 22% Undecided On Election Eve

As Ben Smith points out, this poll from Hays Research in Alaska is "remarkable":

Joe Miller: 27.1%
Scott McAdams: 25.9%
Another candidate you have to write in: 25.3%
Undecided: 21.7%

11/ 1/2010, 7:50 PM | Ryan J. Reilly | #

Obama To Record Interviews With Radio Stations In CA, IL, FL, NV

President Barack Obama has local radio interviews scheduled tomorrow with stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Jacksonville and Las Vegas, according to the White House.

11/ 1/2010, 7:31 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

'Monopoly' Makers Send Angle Cease-And-Desist Letter Over Website

Heh, this is funny. It is now being alleged that one of the Sharron Angle campaign's efforts to attack Harry Reid for being soft on illegal immigration was itself... illegal!

11/ 1/2010, 6:59 PM | Eric Kleefeld | #

Senate In The Balance: TPM's Look At The 9 Key Races Still Up For Grabs

As we head into Election Day, one thing is clear for Senate Democrats: It's going to be bad. Seriously. There's no going anywhere but down. But how far down?

11/ 1/2010, 6:41 PM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

AP: 'Record' Absentee Ballot Turnout in SC

From the AP:

Nearly 147,000 voters had cast absentee ballots as of Monday, according to the state Election Commission. Nearly 10,000 additional voters had requested absentee ballots but had yet to return them. They have until 7 p.m. Tuesday to do so. People can vote absentee in person at county election offices through 5 p.m. Monday.

The most recent high point for midterm absentee voting was 2006, when 75,651 ballots were cast as Sanford easily won a second term. But absentee voting has been higher in presidential contests. The record was set in 2008, when nearly 342,400 South Carolina residents voted absentee.

11/ 1/2010, 6:33 PM | Eric Lach | #

Palin Gives Tancredo Last-Minute Endorsement In CO-GOV

Sarah Palin is swooping in to the Colorado gubernatorial race with a last minute endorsement for American Constitution Party candidate Tom Tancredo.

11/ 1/2010, 6:27 PM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

Republican Poll Shows VA-05 Extremely Close

From the Swing State Project:

Hurt (R) - 45%
Perriello (D) - 42%
Clark (I) - 6%

If the poll was on the night of Obama's visit, I doubt they got in touch with any of the ~10K at the rally. On the other hand, I'm not sure Clark will really end up with 6%.

11/ 1/2010, 6:09 PM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

Cook Report Adds More Vulnerable Dems To His Projections

Politico reports:

Cook also laid down a warning marker for several veterans, placing House Transportation Committee chairman and 18-term Rep. Jim Oberstar of Minnesota, 14-term Rep. Rick Boucher of Virginia and seven-term Rep. Mike McIntyre into the Toss Up category.

11/ 1/2010, 5:49 PM | Evan McMorris-Santoro | #

In Florida, Early Voting Numbers Look Good For GOP

The Palm Beach Post reports that the tea leaves that can be read from Florida's early vote suggest a good night for the GOP tomorrow:

"For the first time since early voting began in 2004, more Republicans than Democrats cast ballots in the two-week run up to Tuesday's general election."

11/ 1/2010, 5:20 PM | Eric Lach | #

Parties Preparing For Possibility Of Recount In CO-SEN

The Denver Post reports that with the Colorado Senate race between Democrat Sen. Michael Bennet and Republican Ken Buck so close going in to election day, both parties say they're preparing for the possibility of a recount.