Congratulations to the Democratic party for one of the biggest and most well-organized political campaigns in memory.

That said, here are some things that have become obvious:

1) There was no wave

As far as down ticket races go, few Democrats drastically outperformed their expectations. Neither Bruce Lunsford in Kentucky or Ronnie Musgrove in Mississippi was able to mount much of a serious challenge against Republican incumbents. Even in Georgia, where Jim Martin has forced a runoff against Saxby Chambliss, the final vote % were what they were in pre-election polls. There was no large wave of new voters in those states that carried these Southern Dems to victory. In fact, the seats lost by the Democrats in the house were in states like Texas and Louisiana. The sudden surge of new voters made a huge impact on the presidential race, but not that much of an impact on close down-ticket races.

2) Alaska is the craziest state in the Union

Move over Wyoming and Montana. Alaska did the impossible and seemingly re-elected a convicted felon to the Senate and someone who will soon be a convicted Felon to the house.

3) This changes racial relations, but it does not solve them

Look at the turn out for McCain, Obama actually lost more votes in the South and Appalachia than Kerry did. This single election does not change how our world works, it merely means that we're on the right path for change.

4) A Rundown of the races Taylor and I highlighted

Indiana 9th - Baron P. Hill (D-Incumbent) defeats Mike Sodrel by 20%, setting pace for a Democratic overall victory.

Georgia Senate - Saxby Chambliss (R-Incumbent) and Jim Martin (D) - Not decided yet. Run off will be 4 weeks from now.

North Carolina Senate - Kay Hagan (D) defeats Elizabeth Dole (R-Incumbent) - Dole was gracious in defeat.

Missouri Governor - Jay Nixon (D) defeats Kenny Hulshof by 18%

Minnesota Senate - Norm Coleman (R-Incumbent) and Al Franken (D) are in recount. Coleman leads Franken by 500 votes.

Idaho 1st - Walt Minnick (D) defeats Bill Sali (R-Incumbent) by 4%.

Washington Governor - Christine Gregoire (D-Incumbent) defeats Dino Rossi (GOP)

Alaska House - Don Young (R-Incumbent) defeats Ethan Berkowtiz (D) - A shame