Oberstar is out.

[Brickbat]

This is the only race I really cared about, and I am devastated.

[MineralMan]

1. That's a very disappointing result.

I had hopes he would pull it out, but it didn't happen. A tough election night for a lot of us.

[annm4peace]

2. very horrible and shame.

[glinda]

3. We lost Doty too here.

[Eric J in MN]

4. Oberstar lost by less than 2 percentage points.

If there is a re-match in 2012, he will probably win.

http://www.wctrib.com/event/apArticle/id/D9J8LB9G0/

[Brickbat]

5. I think he's done.

I think he would have retired after this go-round, had he won. He's old. The races have changed in such a way that it's passed him by, as evidenced by this race. I don't see him running again. I don't necessarily see Cravaack holding onto this seat in two years, but I don't think Oberstar will run again. Which is too bad; going out like this is a damn shame.

[mzmolly]

6. :(

It is devastating.

[geardaddy]

7. So long transporation funding.

:(

[glinda]

8. Hello wolf hunting, bear hunting, mining, less regulation of the natural resources.

[Brickbat]

11. We already have bear hunting.

And I'm fine with more mining. But that's what was so great about Oberstar -- he really was someone who could find the common ground.

[glinda]

18. They said today the environmental assessments will slow them down for progress. Plan to remove them.

[dodger501]

9. Co-worker today told me a story

He said Cravaak was motivated to run after being rebuffed by Oberstar for a one-on-one meeting.
I do not know the nature of the meeting request but if this is true, it was a revenge thing.
I agree a strong Dem contender could take him out next election.

[Brickbat]

10. One-on-one meeting about what? I lived in Chisago County and never heard of this guy, and all of a

sudden he's the Great White Hope and we lose our chairman. I don't get it at all.

As far as a "strong Dem contender" -- well, that's the rub, isn't it? ;)

[scarletwoman]

12. "strong Dem contender" -- Don Ness?

Actually, I wish my state rep, Bill Hilty, would run for Oberstar's seat in 2012. He won yesterday, while our other 8th legislative district state rep (our district is divided into 8A and 8B), Tim Faust, fell by the wayside. :(

Hilty is one of the most intelligent and well-informed progressives I've ever met. Which means he's probably in no way interested in running for national office. But he'd be an absolutely great ally for the working class.

Oh well. I still can't get my head around losing Oberstar, I've been tearing up all day everytime I think about it. It's just plain shocking.

:cry:
sw

[trotsky]

13. In two years, "Chip" will have a voting record people can look at.

And when they see that he's voted AGAINST northeast Minnesota's interests EVERY SINGLE TIME, I have confidence they'll throw the bum out.

But yeah, it sucks losing a lion like Oberstar.

[glinda]

14. Better start planning cuz our local Chamber had a huge meeting today on their win and plans.

[Brickbat]

17. I'm inclined to agree. It's going to be ugly, though.

[Brickbat]

16. Bill Hilty's a great guy.

I don't see Ness running, though. Even though it seems like he's the obvious one, he's been adamant about not running. Sertich has been less so, though...I love Sertich. Tony Lourey? Any District 8 women?

[glinda]

15. I never heard of him either in middle MN. Nada. Nothing. Stolen election.