Something Profound on the Meaning of the Election Results

We got more votes for our candidates because we cared more about the direction of our country.

At the close of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on September 18, 1787, a Mrs. Powel anxiously awaited the results, and as Benjamin Franklin emerged from the long task now finished, asked him directly: "Well Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" "A republic if you can keep it" responded Franklin.

Metrics for gauging our success: Earmark reform, e-voting reform, campaign finance reform (public financing would help break the connection between rampant corruption and lobbys' money as well as opening the door to true citizen legislators) and greater transparency in legislative deliberations.