Bright spots.

Yeah, I'm always looking for the silver lining. Happily, there's always one to find.

Upper Lefties can celebrate the re-election of Senator Patty Murray (and the consequent retirement of George Nethercutt) along with the victories of all of our incumbent statewide Democratic officials, including the Lt. Governor, State Treasurer, Auditor and Insurance Commissioner.

More broadly, while the defeat of Tom Daschle stings, Stephanie Herseth held the seat she took away from the Republicans in this year's special election, providing a statewide win in South Dakota. Colorado Senator-elect Ken Salazar provides a valuable national focal point for Democratic outreach to Hispanic voters.

And, of course, Obama!