Big GOP Wins and Warnings for Democrats

WASHINGTON -- Republican gubernatorial wins in New Jersey and Virginia mark a troubling turn for President Obama, whose personal efforts couldn't stop the fall of Democrats facing a voter backlash over the economy and a notable uptick in the government's would-be role in people's lives.

Obama's 2008 victory in Old Dominion had marked an historic breakthrough for Democrats who hadn't won Virginia's electoral votes since 1964. The fight in the Garden State was more grueling than usually accompanies Democratic campaigns in the reliably blue state of New Jersey.

So the setbacks demonstrate the difficulty of presidential leadership following a campaign built on promises of unity followed by divisive policies and a relentless campaign approach toward big legislative issues like the stimulus and health care bills.

"What this is tonight, this victory here tonight, is a warning shot, and it says to the moderate Democrats in the House that they ought to think twice about continuing to pursue the policies of this White House and (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi," said Virginia Republican Rep. Eric Cantor.

In Virginia, Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell roundly defeated Democrat R. Creigh Deeds while GOP Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling won a second term and Republican Ken Cuccinelli was elected attorney general. It was the first time the GOP took the top three spots since 1997.

"We have really had a run of wins and we got used to winning and that makes it tough," said outgoing Virginia Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine, who is also chairman of the Democratic National Committee. "We have to give credit where credit is due they ran a great campaign."

"You guys are making this tougher than this has to be," a resigned Deeds told the still chanting audience at his "victory party."

In New Jersey, Republican Chris Christie pulled off a stunning upset over incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine, who was facing a backlash over property taxes and other economic issues. Independent Chris Daggett also pulled about 6 percent of the vote. - FOX News Story

The spin from the Democrats will be that this is no big deal. But, big deal it is. The margins of Victory in Virginia were huge. This all shows voter anger over the massive spending and the tax hikes.

It may not matter to Obama, Pelosi or Reid, but the more moderate Blue Dog Democrats are going to step up and take notice. Those up for re-election have to see the writing on the wall and be wondering if they are next to go. This should and will make the massive spending bills harder and harder to pass.

Although this may not be seen as a mandate against Obama, it has to be a shot across the bow.