(Promoted from the diaries -- kos)
This morning's USA Today:
"Democrats had great success in state legislative races this year, even as they fared poorly in the presidential race and campaigns for Congress. Many Democratic gains came in the heart of Republican territory."
"Colorado Democrats took control of both the House and Senate for the first time since 1974. Montana Democrats won the state Senate and could control the state House, depending on the outcome of a legislative race that finished in a tie and is the subject of a court battle."
"Overall, Democrats gained control of seven legislative chambers and earned a tie in the Iowa Senate. Republicans took control of four chambers and added legislators in Southern states that have been shifting to the party for 20 years."
"Nationwide, Democrats added 60 legislative seats....now outnumber Republicans by two: 3,658 to 3,656."
Oregon, home to the nations only VOTE ONLY BY MAIL system, took control of one chamber, while the Republicans still control the other chamber, in a state that also gave its electoral votes to John Kerry.
In North Carolina, Democrats won control of the House and increased their lead in the senate.
"A lot of voters in North Carolina are not comfortable with the national Democratic Party, at least as represented by John Kerry, " says state rep. Joe Hackney, the House Democratic leader. "But they are comfortable with state Democratic leadership as represented by Gov. Mike Easley."
Democrat Paula Miller has won the Special Election for the House of Delegates seat vacated by Republican Thelma Drake, elected in November to Congress.
Miller appears to have won by 92 votes over Republican Michael Ball in a race that seesawed during the short vote count period.
