One Bright Spot For Conservatives In 2008: TENNESSEE

While we got hit nationally with some tough blows, the Volunteer State was one of the few bright spots. In a sign that Tennessee will become a leading state for the GOP, if not one already, the party showed an impressive sign of power.

The state went overwhelmingly to the Presidential ticket of McCain-Palin by a 57-41 percent margin. That is only topped by Nixon's re-election showing in 1972, Reagan's re-election showing in 1984, and George H.W. Bush's election in 1988. Also, Republican U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander won re-election, by a huge 65-32 percent margin over challenger Bob Tuke, one of the best showings for a GOP U.S. Senate candidate in the state's history.

The state legislature in Nashville received a GOP mandate. Coming into last night, Republicans and Democrats each held 16 senators with one Independent. After winning three seats the GOP now hold power in the Senate by a 19-14 margin. In the State House, Dems held the power 53-46. Last night, however, the GOP picked up five seats and lost one for the total of four they needed to take the House. Now the GOP hold a slim lead in House power by the margin of 50-49. However, that is the first time Republicans have gained control of the House since Reconstruction.

Kentucky, Mississippi, and Texas can all be considered among some of the few bright spots, as those three states were crucial in electing Republican senators to keep the filibuster-proof majority the Dems were looking for a myth.


CONGRATS TO THE GOP VICTORS IN THE TENNESSEE STATE LEGISLATURE!

The following are the big difference in switching the power, as they took seats from Democrats or Independents:

In The Senate:
District 4 - Mike Faulk, with 50.2% of the vote. (Beat Incumbent Independent)
District 12 - Ken Yager, with 51.2 % of the vote. (Open Seat-D)
District 26 - Dolores Gresham, with 53.7 % of the vote. (Open Seat, formerly John Wilder's)

In The House:
District 2 - Tony Shipley, with 50.6% of the vote. (Beat incumbent Dem)
District 40 - Terri Lynn Weaver, with 54.7% of the vote (Open Seat-D)
District 48 - Joe Carr, with 51.5% of the vote. (Open Seat-D)
District 66 - Joshua Evans, with 52.4% of the vote (Beat Incumbent Dem)
District 71 - Vance Dennis, with 53% of the vote (Open Seat-D)