In western North Carolina there is a lovely blue oasis in the midst of all those red voting districts. Asheville, North Carolina elected its first African-American mayor, Terry Bellamy, who's a woman to boot, and a progressive to boot. She ran on issues of affordable housing and smart growth.
The seven member city council, previously held by moderate conservatives, has swung into the progressive category as well, with newcomer Robin Cape (a Democracy for America sponsored candidate) earning a seat and with Brian Freeborn likely to take the council seat given up by Bellamy as she ascends to the mayoral seat.
It's great news for small town America when progressives can rule the roost. Info Here, here, and here.