You have a very happy, smiley American here!!  :)

I was floored to here that the Democrats not only took the House of Representatives, but did so by a wide margin.  This not only is the harbinger of change in US politics, but also sees a woman (Nancy Pelosi - Democrat from California) as the first female Speaker of House!!!

The Senate race was tight, but it looks like the Democrats may take the majority at 51 seats.  I'll be keeping a tight eye on Virginia today as the results should be in by the afternoon in the US.

This clearly demonstrates a rebellion amongst the so-called "Red States."  Beyond the controversies of the Iraq war, state legislative measures on the ballot that were seen to be easy wins for the Republicans were shot down in many states (curbing abortion, stem cell research, same-sex marriage, etc).  It's significant because neither Republicans nor Democrats can take their base for granted - nor should they.

Some Republicans are already stating that the election on Tuesday was a good thing for the party.  According to this logic, it will give them a time for reflection and serve as a reminder to the US how "badly" Democrats govern.  Following this line of argument, the Republicans feel it will give them an edge in the presidential election in 2008. 

I disagree, but with a condition.  Should the Democrats stall important legislative measures by focussing on hearings, trials and taking out their revenge on the Bush White House, then the Republicans will have won their case and have a shot at another Republican White House.  Instead, if the Democrats focus on the domestic agenda they have set forward (one is the reduction in student loan interest rates, which would make me VERY happy indeed) and prove they can govern through their own good leadership and bi-partisan strategies, then we will have a good fight on our hands in a few years time. 

Hear's to looking towards 2008!!!