Elections Message Sent

In my state and across the country voters sent a message - though what that message is exactly will be debated. The Democrats took back the House and the Senate hangs on a thread. Perhaps the most clear message of may be that the people believe in checks and balances. We have seen what total power does, and we don't like it. I don't believe that this was a ringing endorsement for the Democrats, that seems clear by the Senate races.

On social issues, the report is more mixed. South Dakotans voted down the proposed abortion ban, and Oregonians voted down an expansion of parental notification; however, four states (SC, TN, VA, WI) supported bans on gay marriage. Four other states (AZ, CO, ID, SD) have marriage bans on the ballot, but those results are not in yet. Michigan voters decided that race and gender could not be used to consider college entrance requirements -a blow for equity groups. In short a mixed bag for social justice.

Many states - including Oregon - rejected the Supreme Court's ruling on eminent domain by voting for private property protection.

While the Congress has consistently voted against raising the minimum wages, states that had minimum wage increases on the ballot (MO, MT, OH, NV, AZ, CO) seem to be leaning towards passing them. Results are still pending in Arizona and Colorado.

Last, but not least, THANK YOU OREGON for voting down the TABOR measure (48) that Colorado is trying desperately to rid itself of.

It seems that in most states across the nation voter turn out was strong. In fact, in some places very strong for a midterm election. It is clear that voters were aware, concerned and motivated. That seems a positive sign for our democracy at a point where it seems to have become history. People are realizing that the ultimate check in our system of checks and balances is us.