Aside from the upset victory of a Democratic win in a heavily Republican upstate NY district, aside from thwarting Paul Ryan's national aspirations, aside from lessening his stature on the political stage (according to Nate Silver), aside from the rebuke to unraveling Medicare, aside from the national implicationsfor 2012, the best after effect of Kathy Hochul's win has to be that she has accomplished the heretofore impossible. With her amazing superpowers, Kathy has achieved what no one else has been able to do:
Silencing the ubiquitous Tweet-screech Facebook Folly of Sarah Palin.
Here are some national reactions to the upset victory from various sources:
Rep. Nancy Pelosi:
Kathy Hochul’s victory tonight is a tribute to Democrats’ commitment to preserve and strengthen Medicare, create jobs, and grow our economy. And it sends a clear message that will echo nationwide: Republicans will be held accountable for their vote to end Medicare.”
“Congresswoman-elect Hochul will add an independent, strong, passionate voice to the House Democratic Caucus as she works to build a better future for her constituents and for all Americans, bolster our middle class, support small businesses, and restore our economic prosperity.”
“We look forward to welcoming her to the House of Representatives.”
Rep. Steve Israel:
"Today, the Republican plan to end Medicare cost Republicans $3.4 million and a seat in Congress,” said Rep. Steve Israel (N.Y.), the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “And this is only the first seat.”
Rep. Louise Slaughter:
"Kathy ran an extraordinary campaign and her steadfast support for Western New York's seniors who count on Medicare and Social Security was certainly noticed and endorsed by the voters of Western New York," Slaughter said.
"We're anxious to have Kathy in Washington," Slaughter added. "In case she needs it, I've got an extra bedroom."
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz:
"Just a few months ago, former Republican Congressman Lee won the 26th district with 74 percent of the vote," Schultz said. "Since that time, Republicans have voted to end Medicare and place a whole host of additional burdens on seniors, young people and working families while preserving tax breaks for millionaires."
Sen. Charles Schumer:
"New Yorkers of all political persuasions do not want to destroy Medicare," said New York Senator Charles Schumer. "This election was a strong referendum on both."
And, the White House:
“I want to extend my congratulations to Congresswoman-elect Kathy Hochul for her victory in New York’s 26th Congressional District. Kathy and I both believe that we need to create jobs, grow our economy, and reduce the deficit in order to outcompete other nations and win the future. Kathy has shown, through her victory and throughout her career, that she will fight for the families and businesses in western New York, and I look forward to working with her when she gets to Washington.”
And for some sour grapes, the unmitigated bastard reliving the past:
"I know this town loves to take signals from individual races. I think the best signal you can take is the 63 seats that we picked up in November," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., said Monday.
Cantor cited Davis' presence in the race. While he previously sought the seat as a Democrat, he ran this time on a ballot line labeled "Tea Party." His share of the vote, Republicans contended, came at Corwin's expense.
But best of all, is Sarah Palin's take:
....
Thank you, Kathy Hochul, and Congratulations
Here's more schadenfreude, Red State claiming this is all about New York, not Medicare, not Republicans, and not the country
To say that this special election defeat of the GOP is a repudiation of the GOP’s efforts on Medicare is laughable on its face.