Obligitory I voted today thread!

[Taleren Bloodsong]

I voted, did you?

[Malse]

Mail in weeks ago, get with the times Ohio :>

[LummusL]

I did not.

State/local politics I am completely out of the loop on due to being overseas. Did not even know who was running, let alone what they are running on. Sometimes being a registered Independent voter hurts since I can't rubberstamp along party lines and have to actually research all the candidates.

[fildien]

I did and I and made it a point to vote out every incumbent running for re-election. I didn't care what party I voted for.

[Taleren Bloodsong]

Mail in weeks ago, get with the times Ohio :>

I could mail in my ballot weeks in advance, but I prefer to actually go to the poll and cast my ballot (I know, I'm odd).

[Sanchek]

I did and I and made it a point to vote out every incumbent running for re-election. I didn't care what party I voted for.

Unless you've got universally bad politicians, even at the local level, I don't see how that's any better than voting party line?

For anyone that hasn't voted yet, and wants to make somewhat informed decisions, this is a lot better than voting by party or campaign ads: http://thevoterguide.org/

[Haloface]

I can't help but find the billions of pounds US candidates are spending on advertisement to be almost queezy in the stomach. Anyone else?

[Sanchek]

Yes. We very badly need reform here in pretty much every aspect where private funds interact with our public officials, from campaign finance to lobbying. Unfortunately, we're dependent on the beneficiaries of the status quo to enact that reform. Not holding my breath.

[ainwein]

The amount of money floating around in US elections is bad because it represents a barrier for many otherwise viable candidates.

That said, it cannot alone ensure you victory. Jon Corzine found that out. Looks like Linda McMahon and Meg Whitman will today as well (hopefully!).

It'll stop as soon as a majority of the public gains the critical thinking skills required to make informed policy decisions. Seeing as Sharon Angle has a good shot at being elected to high office today, I am not going to hold my breath.

[Kelraz Bladesinger]

The recent supreme court decision has made a huge impact this year. Its a mess, really.

[Elemak the Enchanter]

I wrote in for my Senator...

[Malse]

That Alaska situation is morbidly amusing, what with the screwed up primary leaving the clear front-runner depending on people being able to spell. At least she's not depending on them to do algebra. I think when the dust settles there will be some serious questions amongst the Republican party "machine" wondering if working for the Fox party was such a good idea.

[Bylimet Spiritwalker]

I had to vote, if only to voice my disgust with having a personality in office, rather than a politician. While I really am not all that thrilled with Taryl Clark, I could not sleep easy if I had not cast a vote against Bachman. I blame the generation that has made being a celebrity/personality more important than being someone of substance; the people running on Tea Party tickets and the Palins and reality programs, and all that which has made it easier for people not to have to use their friggin' heads.

[Kelraz Bladesinger]

Christine O'Donnell lost which I personally find devastating :(

[LummusL]

I blame the generation that has made being a celebrity/personality more important than being someone of substance; the people running on Tea Party tickets and the Palins and reality programs, and all that which has made it easier for people not to have to use their friggin' heads.

A good deal of blame has to be laid at the feet of the 24/7 media. 30 minutes of Dan Rather giving out some information and the rest being up to you really encouraged people to do most of the digging on their own. Not so much these days where substance is nothing and image is everything. Especially if its going to grace the airwaves non-stop. That is until the next flash in the pan.

As far as the outcome of this vote, well now that the GOP might actually feel they have a vested interest in the government again, maybe things might start to move. In what direction...well. Depends if they just want to do a witch hunt.

[Greystone Thorngage]

I voted.

Rick Scott looks like he is going to win the Florida Govenor, Mark Rubio won Senate spot....i want a new state.

Couple interesting articles out there saying the Tea Party actually cost the GOP the Senate.

[Kelraz Bladesinger]

Couple interesting articles out there saying the Tea Party actually cost the GOP the Senate.

Of course they did. Christine O'Donnell (Delaware) was a train wreck where Castle would have easily won - that was, after all, why Beau Biden didn't want to run.

Joe Miller (Alaska) of course was another train wreck, though the Republicans managed to salvage that race by writing in Murkowski.

Republicans should have also won easily in Nevada as well, but the Tea Party candidate Sharron Angle didn't have the potential to win where Sue Lowden was predicted to win back during their primaries.

Colorado is another notable Tea Party impending loss.

[Maniacles]

I voted yesterday! :P

[fildien]

Christine O'Donnell lost which I personally find devastating :(

You're being funny right? :)

[Kelraz Bladesinger]

Well, my dreams of running and winning on a pro-masturbation platform 6 years from now have been shattered.

[fildien]

hahahahahaha