I wrote this a couple days ago for Minnesota Progressive Project. I share it here because a lot of what we saw in Minnesota was replicated elsewhere. Thanks!
By Christopher Truscott
OK, so Tuesday night sucked--bad.
In the face of a brutal national wave, we lost the Legislature and a lot of superb DFL lawmakers. Our gubernatorial candidate was forced into a recount against a second-rate opponent who had been eviscerated for months by Alliance for a Better Minnesota. And, of course, we lost Jim Oberstar in the 8th Congressional District.
That said, the time for mourning is over.
I worked for three swing-district incumbents this year. One of whom won by roughly the same margin she had reached in two previous elections. Two others were narrowly ousted after winning close fights in 2006 and 2008. A cursory look at results shows this scenario playing out in lots of places—we got beat by a wave that was widespread, but very shallow. We are not looking down the barrel at a permanent GOP majority--no matter what Brodkorb, et. al. say.
Now it’s time to dust ourselves off and start looking forward.
First, we need to get Mark Dayton’s back. What happens in his first year will set the tone for years to come. Remember when Tim Pawlenty rolled the Legislature in 2003? That mattered and it became the storyline of each ensuing session, despite DFL gains in 2004, 2006 and 2008.
Second, we need to start thinking about 2012. The DFL had three-straight wave elections because we had good candidates who fit their districts. We need to recruit more of them—and we need to defend them in a manner that fits their districts, as well. (Eric and Javier have great posts on DFL leadership that merit reading. While they disagree on some points, both guys are very smart and will play leadership roles on this issue moving forward.)
Third, we need to keep our perspective. We faced an unmitigated disaster in 2002 and we came storming back starting in 2004.
Finally, I should mention the 8th Congressional District. Clearly, we should take that seat back in two years, but Chip Cravaack’s election is still something Democrats everywhere can learn from. Let’s be honest, he won the old-fashioned way—he earned it. So in addition to endorsing/nominating a strong opponent (Tony Sertich?), let’s be sure we study what Cravaack did right and replicate it, where possible, throughout Minnesota.
Normally, I end an election cycle saying "I’ll never do that again." Today, however, I feel oddly good. Sure, I had 13 hours of sleep last night, but I think it’s more than that. The GOP has to govern now. After Michele Bachmann-inspired lawmakers have two years to show Minnesotans what they’re made of, we’ll have an easier and better story to tell in 2012.
The time for mourning defeats is over. The next election is in 732 days. Game on.