The wins and losses of yesterday’s election

Yesterday’s election was a big night for progressives–especially when it came to defeating ultra-conservative ballot initiatives, and a few ultra-conservative politicians. After the blood bath that was the midterm election in 2010, we saw what a year under right-wing leadership meant across the country. It has meant many ideological laws and initiatives aimed at restricting reproductive rights, unions and immigrants. It has also meant extreme budget cuts to social programs.

Last night seems like an overall win for pushing back against this conservative trend. It is true that in many ways it feels like a big win because we were expecting to lose, but it is still a possible foreshadowing of the tide turning for 2012.

Win:

Ohio voters overwhelmingly win a referendum to repeal the Governor’s anti-public employee union law.

Loss:

While defeating the personhood initiative, Mississippi voters also passed an initiative requiring government issued ID to be presented at the polls. A court challenge is likely: “Low-income, elderly and minority voters are the most likely to be affected – which is where the NAACP’s objection lies.” Colorlines has more on why these restrictions matter.

Win:

Republican Russell Pearce, author of the anti-immigrant SB 1070 bill lost his seat. The man who defeated him is also a Republican, but seemingly much more moderate.

Loss:

Voters in Ohio also approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting the insurance mandate in health care reform from going into effect, a direct challenge to President Obama’s Affordable Care Act.

Win:

Democrat Liz Mathis won a state senate seat in Iowa, preserving the Democratic control and same-sex marriage rights in the state.

Win:

The state’s first openly gay Senator, Adam Ebbin, was elected to the Virginia state senate.

Win:

Maine voters rejected limits on same-day voter registration.

Other good election round-ups: Amanda Terkel,  John Nichols and Dave Weigel.

Join the Conversation