A Good Day for the American People

A bad day for the Obama White House but a good day for the American people

That’s the easiest way to summarize the collapse of the Democratic candidates around the country yesterday.

In Virginia and New Jersey the Republican victories last night were bigger than they were in 1993.

Voters were clearly unhappy. According to Mike Allen of The Politico, network exit polls showed that 85 percent of Virginia voters and 90 percent of New Jersey voters were worried about the economy.

Governor Haley Barbour put it best: "It's not about the President personally...the President’s policies are unpopular.”

It will be interesting to see if any congressional Democrats get that message or if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is able to push through the massive leftwing health bill this coming Saturday.

The Biggest Winner? Bob McDonnell in Virginia

The biggest winner last night was Bob McDonnell and his campaign for governor in Virginia.

McDonnell is so attractive and effective as a candidate, and so knowledgeable after years in the state legislature and four years as Attorney General, that he should be a model for all Republicans to study.

He is a solid conservative who knew how to appeal to suburban voters, how to deflect the Washington Post’s attacks, and how to appeal to minority voters.

The results were overwhelming in Virginia. Republican enthusiasm was up, and after a year of the Obama presidency, Democrats were demoralized.

The result was a turnout in which 47 percent of voters identified themselves as Republicans and 36 percent identified as Democrats. This is an enormous change for a state which one year ago gave President Obama 53 percent of the vote.

The Fallout in Virginia: Four Democratic Seats are Now at Risk

Four Democratic congressmen from Virginia are now at risk because their districts went for Bob McDonnell last night.

•   In Rep. Glenn Nye’s (D) 2nd District, McDonnell was winning by a whopping 63 percent to 37 percent with 130 out of 161 precincts reporting.
•   In Rep. Tom Perriello’s (D) 5th District, McDonnell was winning by 61-39 with over 90 percent of the vote counted.
•   In Rep. Rick Boucher’s (D) 9th District, McDonnell was ahead 68-32 with 295 out of 336 precincts in.
•   In Rep. Gerald Connolly’s (D) 11th District, McDonnell was up 56-44 with 68 of 168 precincts reporting.

And not just Virginia House members should take note. Virginia Senators Jim Webb (D) and Mark Warner (D) need to look carefully at the impact of the energy tax in the cap and trade bill on Virginia voters.

Chris Christie’s Victory Margin was Four Times Christine Whitman’s

In a more Democratic state than Virginia, former federal prosecutor Chris Christie’s (R) win yesterday in New Jersey was an equally impressive Republican victory.

Christie won by over 100,000 votes, which is four times moderate Republican Christine Todd Whitman’s margin in 1993.

As for the Democrats, incumbent Governor Jon Corzine's 44 percent of the vote was a huge drop from President Obama’s 57 percent of the vote in New Jersey just a year ago.

Troubling News From New York 23

The news wasn’t all good last night.

Both conservative activists and Republican leaders need to think long and hard about the only bad result of the night in New York’s 23rd congressional district.

The Democrat beat the conservative candidate 49 percent to 44 percent, with the Republican getting only 5%.

Conservatives can take comfort in having driven a liberal Republican out of the race. But everyone on our side has to be troubled that a Republican seat went to a Democrat and Speaker Pelosi is one vote stronger because of our division.

The National Conservative Movement Has to Be Recognized and Respected

In retrospect it is clear Dede Scozzafava should never have been nominated because she was far too liberal to be acceptable.

Republican leaders in New York must recognize that Mike Long and the Conservative Party in that state have to be consulted before decisions are made. The national conservative movement is a force that has to be recognized and respected.

I certainly heard from enough friends to know that my decision to support the unanimous vote of the 11 New York county chairs was very unpopular with conservative activists.

In New York, after two failed special elections, it is clear the state party has to fight to change the election law so there are primaries in special elections. The insider nominating process is simply unacceptable to grassroots populists and guarantees a sense of illegitimacy.

“When the GOP is United, There Is No State In America We Cannot Win”

However, all of us who oppose the Left need to realize that civil war within the GOP will reelect Barack Obama and make Nancy Pelosi speaker for life.

As pollster Frank Luntz said, "When the GOP is united, there is no state in America that we cannot win -- even the most Democratic states like New Jersey. But when the GOP is divided, even the most Republican districts are in jeopardy."

Building a unified, center-right coalition on a nationwide basis will be the greatest challenge Republicans face in the next three years. But we did it in 1980. We did it again in 1994.

We can do it in 2010 and 2012.

Troubling Big Money Facts

It is an inescapable conclusion that Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I) would not have been reelected without having spent $90 million of his own money buying New York City Hall from the voters.

It is also obvious that Governor Corzine of New Jersey would not have been competitive without having spent $30 million (bringing his total purchase of elected offices to $120 million for one Senate and two gubernatorial races).

The current campaign finance rules create the real danger of an oligopoly of rich people buying office.

We need to replace current campaign laws with a simple system that allows everyone to raise unlimited money from individuals as long as it is reported on the internet every night.

This simple system will allow middle-class candidates to raise the money to match rich candidates and level the playing field.

The American People Still Support Marriage

In Maine voters rejected by 53 percent an effort to redefine marriage.

Once again the people rejected the elites in this fight over the nature of marriage.

Good Local Results for the GOP

Generally it was a good night for Republicans in local races as well.

In my favorite race, good friend Barbara Comstock won her state legislative race in Virginia, beating an incumbent Democrat by 192 votes to become the only Republican legislator inside the beltway in Northern Virginia.

As the Wall Street Journal’s John Fund noted, Republicans also won control of New York’s Nassau County legislature, and the race for county executive will go to recount.

Also in New York, the longtime Democratic County Executive of Westchester County, Andy Spano, lost to Republican Rob Astorino by 58 percent to 42 percent.

(Ed Cox, the new and brilliant New York state Republican chair is off to a good start).

In New Jersey, Republicans won control of the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders with John Curley beating Sean Byrnes by a 58-38 margin. Republicans in New Jersey also held their majority on the Burlington County Board of Freeholders, winning two open GOP seats.

And in Michigan, state Senate District 19 was called with 65 percent of the vote reporting. Republican Mike Nofs bested Democrat Marty Griffin by 64-39. This had been a Democratic state senate seat.

Also Winners: Barbour, Ayers and Steele

Two other big winners last night deserve our congratulations and thanks: The Republican Governors Association (RGA) and the Republican National Committee (RNC).

At the RGA, Chairman Haley Barbour and Executive Director Nick Ayers did a superb job.

At the RNC, Chairman Michael Steele provided terrific support to candidates and campaigns everywhere.

All in all, a good night for the American people.

Your friend,

Newt’s Quick Links

•   A Best-Seller -- Bill Forstchen and I were excited to learn that our new novel on the American Revolution, To Try Men’s Souls, will debut on the NY Times Bestseller list this weekend. Visit www.totrymenssouls.com for video and more info about the book.

•   Cap and Trade = Balloon Boy? -- As Senators Boxer and Kerry try to convince the country that cap and trade will create millions of new jobs, we couldn’t help but think of something else: Balloon Boy. Their premise, just like that of the parents in Colorado, is a complete hoax. In reality, a massive energy tax at a time of 10% unemployment will lead to fewer jobs. To make that point, we put together this spoof video.

•   Americano Update -- An interesting OpEd in The Americano by Adolfo Franco on whether big labor unions are pushing President Obama into another Mexican-American War.

•   Rally Thursday Against Obama/Pelosi-care - If you haven't heard, Speaker Pelosi will try to ram through the House a $1.3 trillion, 1990-page government-run health care bill this week. Some members of Congress opposed to this big government takeover are holding a rally in Washington, D.C., and across the country Thursday at noon. Learn more here.

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Comments

By latinthinker76 @ Friday, November 13, 2009 1:24 PM

PS: Elyeasbane: Marriage is not a right, go look it up in the constitution and you'll see that its NOT in the constitution. It indirectly falls under the "pursuit of happiness" part of the three most fundamental rights. you have a "right" to pursue happiness (which in this case is marriage) however gaining it is another story. Marriage like happiness itself is NOT guaranteed.
Gay Marriage is an assault on a timeless tradition that was established by religion and adopted by the US government for society as a whole. Marriage is immutable. Marriage is not a right, it is a privilege.

And to all of you who think Newt "Apologized" i think you need to see that video again. Saying that you "regret" something is not the same as apologizing for it. Please stop trying to make excuses for the Man, the libs do enough of this as it is for their own people.

By latinthinker76 @ Friday, November 13, 2009 1:14 PM

I found everything here except the one thing i was in search of most: an apology from you. You "regretted" she was appointed, you "regretted" that it came out this way, but not once did you go the extra mile and apologize for endorsing someone who was the antithesis of everything you are supposed to represent.
I am a hispanic conservative, seemingly a rarity in my community. If i supported everything my community generally believes in, i wouldnt support immigration reform, and i most certainly wouldnt support the conservative or even the republican party. If i can break from voting along racial lines, is it really so difficult to break party lines when the greater good is at stake? What you and Frank Luntz have failed to realize is that a party that prioritizes partisanship unification over the benefit of its ideals is basically putting it's banner behind quantity instead of quality. And someone like Owens winning NY 23 is what happens as a natural result.
I am deeply disappointed and disgusted with your partisanship Mr Gingrich, and this video has not done much to alleviate my current unflattering view of you. Thank God for people like Glenn Beck, at least.

By sassedbygov @ Sunday, November 08, 2009 10:32 AM

We cannot all be purists and still take power away from the dems. We are all faced with a decision to either try to take power away from the dems, or crucify anyone who is not truly conservative.

I am very conservative, but I need to take power away from the dems. NY23 was a no win sit for some, and a tough choice for others.

Newt knows that third party rarely ever gets elected. Pragmatism has to prevail when dealing with corrupt politics.

It's a long process and there are bumps on the way and mistakes made... hopefully none too painful to achieve the goal of at least having stagnation in Congress and Senate while Obama is in power

By Hot @ Saturday, November 07, 2009 10:12 AM

Newt's true (LIBERAL) colors are showing.
Newt is no better than Nancy.

Wake up people, the people that you elect are scum bags and only do what HELPS THEMSELVES.

Newt is a prime example.

By pabarge @ Friday, November 06, 2009 11:53 AM

Newt, you lie. And here is the documentation/proof:

"http://michaelpatrickleahy.blogspot.com/2009/11/day-after-newt-gingrich-gets-facts.html"

By pmarsh111 @ Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:06 AM

Are some of you not even reading what Newt's wrote? I was as upset as anyone by his decision to endorse the liberal RINO in NY-23...but read what he just wrote! He admits he was wrong and that Republicans must not nominate liberal candidates in the future. Get over yourselves, accept the apology or choose not to, either way move on! 2009 is over, let's focus attention on getting true conservatives elected in 2010.

By Geodavis @ Thursday, November 05, 2009 9:44 AM

I think it's time to move on. New York 23 is done. There's nothing we can do to change it now. Newt has stated he made a mistake, what is left to say? There are so many other issues we should be focusing on like Cap and Trade, Healthcare etc. Newt and his team continues to work hard on finding common sense solutions for America . Let's turn our focus to the issues before us.

By elyeasbane @ Thursday, November 05, 2009 9:29 AM

I don't see how taking the right to marry away from a group of people "supports marriage" or "rejects elites." Yes, in Maine, a majority voted to take a right away from a minority after a campaign of lies and deception. LGBT people in Maine have less freedom today and can't marry the person they love. "Elites" weren't hurt at all by the vote; LGBT men and women and their children were hurt.

I find it saddening that you see less freedom for a group of people as a good thing. Are conservatives a party of less government and more personal liberty, or a party of freedom for "us" and prohibition for "them"?

Ask yourself, "Would I want people voting on my right to marry the person I love? If my neighbor marries the person they love, does it affect me at all? Do I have a right to take that away from them?" I know you are an intelligent man, but have you no empathy?

By MoResident @ Wednesday, November 04, 2009 10:37 PM

Newt,
YOU STILL OWE THE CONSERVATIVE BASE AN APOLOGY.

By frustrated @ Wednesday, November 04, 2009 9:16 PM

Newt, I'm also very disappointed with you.
Thanks for helping the Democrats win the 23rd.
I've only been politically awake for a couple of years now and have watched and listened to you intently. It appears I have been missing something or you put on a good disguise.

By reddiedad @ Wednesday, November 04, 2009 7:48 PM

Newt the blame for New York 23 lies at your feet. You were the one chastising the people for backing Hoffman. You were the one who was telling the people that a liberal Republican was a better option than a Conservative who did not have a chance to win. You were the one saying we need to have a big tent. Newt you seem to be the one sticking you finger up in the wind to see which way it is blowing to make a decision. You said oh goodness they want a liberal republican instead of saying that the real conservative needs support even if he loses because a conservative vote is always better than a liberal vote. Newt you have lost my respect and my support. Core conservative beliefs come from the heart not the mouth, and will always be there even in the face of defeat. Backing a liberal of any kind is a stamp of approval for liberalism.
Kevin Doss

By DonnaF @ Wednesday, November 04, 2009 7:10 PM

I would rather lose to a democrat than give support to one that is merely using the republican logo. I voted for McCain but it was a vote against Obama not a vote for McCain. I am a conservative and will not vote for a candidate that is not. There are a lot of republicans that need to call themselves democrats. John McCain, Lindsey Graham and I am starting to wonder about Newt. The republican party needs to start listening to us and stop reaching across the aisle so far that they are on the other side.

By farris @ Wednesday, November 04, 2009 6:50 PM

Newt, Go sit on the couch with Nancy and talk about global warming and leave letters like the following I receive from you to the true conservatives. You shot yourself in the foot.
To little to late!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Rita,

If you haven't heard, Speaker Pelosi will try to ram through the House a $1.3 trillion, 1990-page government-run health care bill this week.

With our very freedom at stake, I have an important request to make of you:

Come to Washington, DC this Thursday, November 5, at Noon for a nationwide "House Call" to protest this government takeover of our health care system.

OR:

If you can't make the trip to DC, join the protest by calling your Member of Congress' office on Thursday at Noon.

I know coming to Washington, DC is a lot to ask, and I wouldn't be asking if I did not think it was critical. But this could be our only chance to stop the government from taking our freedom by taking over our health care.

If you can make it to Washington, DC, Members of Congress will be holding a rally at noon on the East steps of the U.S. Capitol, followed by walking the halls of Congress and the Capitol office buildings to share your concerns directly with your representative and his or her staff. We're hoping as many people as possible responds to the "House Call" to demonstrate our strong opposition to Pelosi's plan for government-run health care.

See more details here and RSVP for the "House Call" rally.

The overwhelming outcry at the August town halls was a clear sign that the American people reject a government takeover of health care. But now it's as if Speaker Pelosi is pretending those town halls never happened. They are more determined than ever to ram through this legislation without listening to the wishes of the American people.

Before the House votes later this week on spending $1.3 trillion to create a government-run healthcare system, we have another chance to make our voices heard.

I hope you'll join the "House Call" this Thursday.

Sincerely,

Newt Gingrich
General Chairman
American Solutions

P.S. Please RSVP and let us know if you're able to join the rally in Washington, DC or by calling Congressman's local district office.

By gary4205 @ Wednesday, November 04, 2009 5:31 PM

Newt, you STILL don't get it. It was a HORRID mistake for the Vichy GOP to ever get behind this idiot Scozzafava.

If one more person calls this FAR LEFT democrat plant a "moderate Republican" I'm going postal!

This woman was more radical than 43 percent of the DEMOCRATS in the NY Assembly!

Even still, you and the Vichy Republicans sent a million dollars into NY-23 to prop this crazy woman up.

And just how did she "thank" all of you? She quit, endorsed the democrat and campaigned for him.

If you were a REAL conservative and not a party hack you would have denounced the RNCC and got behind Hoffman like everyone else did.

Sarah Palin sure wasn't shy! After she endorsed Hoffman, he went up 22-25 points in the polls! And that's while being attacked by the democrats and you guys!

You guys, as usual, BLEW IT!

Go back and sit on the bench with Nancy Pelosi and do some more ads for that scam artist Al Gore and his "global warming" hoax. You are a fraud!

By Jimmy_Stewart @ Wednesday, November 04, 2009 5:11 PM

Newt,

I have to disagree with you on New York. I understand the seat is lost but what would we have won if the liberal Republican won? She still would have voted liberal and not conservative. This is a time to stand up with conservative values. Because of how well the conservative message did in N.J. and Virginia and yes in New York. This will energize other candidates around the country because we did not compromise. Better to stand for what you believe in than to compromise your beliefs.

By kayshostak @ Wednesday, November 04, 2009 4:56 PM

Why do you think Ms. Scazzofava wouldn't vote for Ms. Pelosi's agenda? What did you see in her record to let you think she was stand in Ms. Pelosi's way in any manner? If someone is against everything I stand for - why would I want that person to be put in a position of power? I don't raise my kids like that and I won't vote like that. Get it? My standards come before the party. Always have, always will. Seeing as the dem is more likely to vote the way I would since Mr. Owens is less liberal than Ms. Scazzofava - why would I be troubled?

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