CHRISTMAS - By The People & For The People by Ira White

This is an opinion piece written by a friend of mine.  He is a great writer and always has good perspectives:

Every year, there is controversy about Christmas expressions and displays in public places, recognition of the season as a national holiday, and equal representation for all "beliefs" including wicca and atheist. But to put it all in perspective…

Christmas is the biggest holiday across the globe and, though a Christian namesake, is uniquely celebrated by those of other faiths and persuasions due to its inclusiveness and inspiration to all people. And in a nation founded on principles of faith, it is no wonder that it has become a cherished aspect of our character and culture unlike any other season. Thanksgiving, another holiday of our religious origins, serves as a well-deserved doorway to that extended celebration.

To suggest that Christmas should not possess its exceptional place as a glowing festivity of the American landscape is simply a maligned attempt to artificially equalize its great inherent value, a contrived "redistribution of worth". But all rites are not created equal. Christmas transcends the whims of special interests and personal agendas, enduring on the hearts and minds of people, communities, and cities. If Christmas is to be marginalized, it would be by the collective choice of these and not by those who seek judicial tyranny over this joyous season.

Thankfully, our religious freedom sustains an overwhelming will of the American people for Christmas spirit and unity as a nation, and stands against the petty assaults of poor souls who choose to envy or indict the birthright of the most wonderful time of the year.

No, Christmas is not an establishment but a free exercise - the evolution of an epiphany over 2000 years old that embodies our traditions and perspectives. It has nothing to do with inequities and everything to do with inalienable rights. That is an endowment we will not forsake because, in every sense, saving Christmas is saving ourselves.

By God's grace, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

State Legislatures and Governorships

I have talked largely about House and Senate races, but in the next few days it will start to be clear how big the gains for the Republicans were in the Governorships and the State Legislatures.  As of now, it looks like the same wave hit those elections as well on the down ballot.


These are important for three reasons:


1.  These local offices don't get enough credit.  They are highly influential in our day-to-day lives.  It is easy to think nationally and miss the importance of state and local races.


2.  The Governor is able to give a campaign edge to their own party in the Presidential election.  This is key since Democrats lost the Governorship in several key swing states in 2009 and 2010:  Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan, and Ohio, among others.


3.  The Governor and State Legislatures work together to do the re-districting using the results of the 2010 census.  These shifts in the House district lines can actually significantly help the party that is in charge of setting the lines.  If one party controls both the Governorship and the State Legislature, then it is likely they will have a chance to pick up additional seats in the House in 2012.

So far results have unfolded largely as expected; GOP now controls House

In Senate Toss-Ups:
Toomey(R) wins over Sestak(D) in PA
Kirk(R) beats Gianollias(D) in IL
Manchin(D) beats Raese(R) in WV
Reid(D) beats Angle(R) in NV (big hold for Dems)
Boxer(D) beats Fiorina(R) in CA


Colorado and Washington look too close to call as of now, and they are the last two Toss-Ups.  We may not know about Washington until tomorrow sometime due to their vote-by-mail system. 


In the House it looks like Republicans will win at least 60 seats.  Two sitting Democrat committee chairman have been unseated, and a number of Democrats lost seemingly because of their Health-Car Bill votes.  Three incumbent Virginia Democrats, Boucher, Nye, and Perriello, have been defeated.  Connelly, a Democrat incumbent from Fairfax, is holding onto a 500 vote lead, and will likely win by the narrowest of margins.

Republicans Win the House of Representatives

Fox News has projected that Republicans will take control of the House.

McMahon and O'Donnell Fail to Win

Still no surprises so far tonight in the returns as Republican women Linda McMahon and Christine O'Donnell fail to pick up seats for the GOP.


Rubio(R) has won big in a three-way race in Florida.


There are at least four House seats in Virginia that are in serious danger of moving from Democrat to Republican.  Longtime incumbent Rick Boucher(D) from Southwest Virginia looks very likely to lose his seat.

Following Along

If you are following the election results tonight, the networks generally have great coverage but you can find a lot of information online and avoid waiting for the scrolling headlines.  The following two places are good non-partisan places to look:


http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com


http://www.realclearpolitics.com

Rand Paul wins in Kentucky

As of 7:30pm, every race that has been called as expected.  The only semi-close race to be called so far was Rand Paul(R) over Jack Conway(D) in Kentucky.  This race was seen as a near toss-up by some as soon as a few weeks ago, but Paul must have won it big for the networks to call it this soon.  Rand Paul is the son of former Presidential candidate Ron Paul.