Majikthise

The Party's Over

The Party's Over, originally uploaded by Lindsay Beyerstein.

No, those aren't used condoms. The party wasn't that good.

George Allen concedes--Dems retake the Senate!

George Allen has conceded to Jim Webb, putting the Democrats in control of both houses of Congress!

Webb won, established media still hedging bets

As expected, senator-elect Jim Webb is maintaining his lead over George Allen in Virginia:

RICHMOND, Nov. 8 -- Virginia's Democratic Senate candidate, James Webb, claimed the title of senator-elect Wednesday and began organizing his congressional staff, while Republican incumbent George Allen declined to concede but was described as "realistic" about the outcome if he seeks a recount challenging Webb's thin lead. [WaPo]

I find the tone of this opening paragraph very encouraging. The Post says that Webb "claimed the title," not that "he declared victory" or "insisted that he won or "maintains that he won." This is a sign that the Post is edging towards acceptance of Webb's victory. As well they should. Webb got more votes than Allen.

Even so, most of the press is giving Allen a free ride. The media should have called the race for Webb. Media outlets should have clear guidelines for calling races that have not yet been certified. Whoever has the most votes after all the ballots have been counted should be called the winner, regardless of whether there's going to be a recount. Virtually all of Virginia's ballots have been counted and Jim Webb has won.

Props to AP for calling the election for Webb last night.

Incredulity

Incredulity, originally uploaded by Lindsay Beyerstein.

An Allen supporter who voted against civil rights for unmarried couples, as evidenced by his yellow badge.

Angry Republican

Angry Republican, originally uploaded by Lindsay Beyerstein.

George Allen may get his ass kicked by someone other than Jim Webb tonight.

Sad Republican

Sad Republican, originally uploaded by Lindsay Beyerstein.

George Allen's defeat sinks in. This Virginia official tried to put on a brave face for the interview, but you could tell her heart wasn't in it.

Macacariffic

Macacariffic, originally uploaded by Lindsay Beyerstein.