The Nation uncovers interesting trends, rifts and potential problems progressives will need to confront in future elections.
While the mainstream press simplifies the November 3 regional elections to an emblem of America’s opinion of the Obama administration, The Nationlooks deeper, uncovering interesting trends, rifts and potential problems progressives will need to confront in future elections. AP Images
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg narrowly defeats little-known Democrat Bill Thompson, despite spending a record-breaking $100 million dollars on his re-election campaign and holding a double digit lead in most polls leading up to Election Day. Without a real mandate for a third term, it’s hard to see Bloomberg waging a credible campaign for the presidency in 2012. AP Images
The gay rights movement suffers a significant blow when Maine voters decide to repeal the law extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. Glimmers of hope come from Washington state (where a pro-domestic partnerships referendum will likely pass) and Houston (where an openly gay candidate for mayor appears to be gaining traction). AP Images
Democrat John Garamendi, who campaigned as an unapologetic backer of sweeping healthcare reform, wins a big victory in the race to fill an open US House seat in northern California. Garamendi, a rabble-rousing critic of big insurance companies who beat the party establishment in the primary, keeps a Democratic seat Democratic. AP Images
Despite making a bit of a comeback late in the race by campaigning from the left, incumbent New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine suffers a defeat at the hands of former George W. Bush fundraiser Chris Christie (nicknamed “Big Boy” by the former president). President Obama had campaigned hard for Corzine, so this loss stings for many progressives. AP Images
One of the most interesting special election races takes place in New York’s 23rd congressional district. Tea Party activists team up with far-right heavyweights, including Sarah Palin, to push the moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava out of the race in favor of the conservative third party candidate, Douglas Hoffman. AP Images
In a surprising turn of events, Scozzafava endorses the Democratic candidate, Bill Owens, in part to rebuke the extreme elements of her party. Owens is victorious on Election Day, turning the NY-23 district blue for the first time since the Civil War. AP Images
The biggest Democratic defeat on election night 2009 comes in Virginia, where Creigh Deeds is walloped in an 18 percent landslide by his GOP opponent Bob McConnell. Still, most voters in Virginia and around the country tell pollsters President Obama and his policies were not a factor in their vote. AP Images
Never one to shy away from publicity, RNC chairman Michael Steele is all over the airwaves following the election. He claims credit for the two major GOP gubernatorial victories and says “the GOP renaissance has begun.” AP Images
Election 2009 is, at best, a mixed bag for President Obama. While most polls and pundits admit that regional issues are a more determinative factor in the results than the president, he clearly has his work cut out for him. The Nation believes he should try to recapture the spirit of his 2008 campaign and let Americans know that real change is still on the way. AP Images
