First of all, I am not making some grand prediction about this coming November. The off year election in St Louis County yesterday did well for progressive causes.
In St Louis County we have been trying to get a 0.05% tax increase to improve the public transportation services in our area. Albeit, Metro has not done itself any favors. Between poor management and minor corruption the metro area has failed to pass this tax increase for the past three election cycles. Even during the 2008 election cycle (with a very large Democratic turnout) we could not get this minor tax increase passed.
I was not holding out very much hope for the increase this time around. The Tea Party is very active in St Louis County. They held multiple rallies throughout the county deriding the inherent socialist nature of public transportation. The local and national media have also elevated the local tea party to a status they do not deserve. They often fail to inform local city councils regarding their protests. When they do they often violate ordinances by burning effigies or building unauthorized structures on private and public property. When someone calls them on their violations the Tea Party cries boo-hoo and talks of tyranny and oppression... you know the drill.
When I woke this morning I was pleased to find the tax initiative passed by almost 60%! Additionally, every bond issue in St Louis County passed as well. I was genuinely surprised. Could it be we are in better shape for November than we realized?
While standing in line to vote yesterday afternoon I noticed two young girls in Catholic school uniforms both voting for what looked to me like the first time. I'd like to think maybe our coalition is holding up under the strain of last year.
I am at work right now and cannot respond to many comments - sorry - I am not sure what to make of last night’s vote but I hope it is a positive sign.