Thanks to the Boston Globe for this helpful,summary:
THE US HOUSE
This was the bellwether for Democrats since the entire country voted (all 435 House seats were on the ballot; only one-third, or 35, of Senate seats were). Even though Republicans did their darndest to skew redistricting in their favor, they lost at least 26 House seats, with votes in 23 districts still being counted. Republicans lead in 14 of those; Dems, in 9. If those leads hold, the Democrats will end up with 228 seats and the GOP with 207.
Some notables:
There was a female wave, led by Democratic women horrified by Trump. At least 100 women will be in the House this year, beating the previous record of 85. CNN is projecting that of those, 33 women are newbies and 65 are incumbents. There are still two undecided races in which two women are competing against each other.
The first two Muslim women to serve in Congress are heading to the House from the Midwest: Democrat Rashida Tlaib from Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
Another first in the House: Two Native American women were elected. Deb Haaland belongs to the Pueblo of Laguna tribe in New Mexico. Sharice Davids, who won in Kansas’ 3rd congressional district, is also the first lesbian congresswoman from Kansas. And she’s a former MMA fighter; Pelosi says she can have any committee assignments she wants.
THE US SENATE
One-third of the Senate was up for reelection: 26 Democratic seats but just 9 Republican seats. Of the 26 Democratic seats, 10 are in states Trump won two years ago. While Democrat Jacky Rosen took away a Nevada Senate seat from Republican incumbent Dean Heller, the GOP grabbed three Democratic seats from incumbents: Mike Braun beat Joe Donnelly in Indiana, Josh Hawley defeated Claire McCaskill in Missouri, and Kevin Cramer beat Heidi Heitkamp in North Dakota.
Republicans lead in Arizona, Florida, and Montana; Mississippi is heading for a runoff. In Florida, incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson is losing to GOP Governor Rick Scott by 4/10ths of a percentage point, which should trigger an automatic recount.
GOVERNORS
Of the 36 governor races, Democrats took seven corner offices away from the GOP (while not losing any): Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, New Mexico, and Nevada. In Georgia, where Secretary of State Brian Kemp, a Republican, has a 75,000-vote lead over Democrat Stacey Abrams, Abrams has not conceded because thousands of absentee ballots still are being counted.
MASSACHUSETTS
Ayanna Pressley became the state’s first black member of the US House. She actually won the seat back in September when she unseated 10-term incumbent Michael Capuano in the primary, and faced no opponent in the final.
Jahana Hayes of Connecticut earned the same distinction in her state.
As expected, GOP Governor Charlie Baker and Democratic US Senator Elizabeth Warren coasted to victory. Voters rejected mandated staffing levels for nurses, but kept the state’s transgender protection law on the books by a wide margin.
ELSEWHERE
Three red states — Utah, Nebraska, and Idaho — voted to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
San Francisco voted to raise millions of dollars for city homeless programs by taxing large businesses.
And in Nevada (where else?), a guy who ran a brothel and was a reality TV star beat a female Democratic educator — even though he died last month.
There’s no “Finally” item today because really, how can you top that Nevada story?
Diane Ravitch's blog 
“Mike Braun beat Joe Donnelly in Indiana, Josh Hawley defeated Claire McCaskill in Missouri, and Kevin Cramer beat Heidi Heitkamp in North Dakota.”
Maybe we could learn from this that trying to appease the right-wingers is a losing strategy for Democrats, even in Trump country. If people want Republicans, they’ll vote for Republicans. People voted for those Democrats with the hope that they would be Democrats, but since there was so little distinction, they went back to the people at least honest enough to put the correct initial after their names.
But, no, the lesson learned will be “we didn’t go far enough right.”
Sigh. Lather, rinse, repeat next time around.
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It’s difficult to stop lathering.
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And Marshall Tuck is leading for Superintendent of Public Instruction in CA
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Candidates running not as moderates but as progressive Democrats came very close to winning both Texas and Florida. And those demographic groups that are growing most rapidly voted overwhelmingly for Democrats. And so did women and young people. (60 percent of women and 68 percent of young people voted Democratic.) And diversity among our elected officials increased enormously. And turnout was enormous, driven mostly by concern over healthcare. And Democrats won back the House. And it’s Congressional investigation and Mueller time.
If Trumpeteers think that they got good news last night because they squeaked out a few victories, then they are even dumber than I give them credit for being. They are on the wrong side of history.
BTW, it was also a bad night for DINOs. Let’s hope that they are headed for extinction.
The most troubling result was that Repugnicans put a lock on the Senate, and so judicial appointments will sail through. So, as the electorate becomes increasingly blue, which it will, we shall have to contend with judges who are still troglodytes. So, there will be fireworks there in years to come.
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Trump has already ominously warned that he will go to war with any Democrats in the new House who attempt to investigate him or his finances.
This is not the government I am familiar with.
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I am familiar with this government, and they are a band of thieves and bastards. But let’s take whatever blue leanings we have won and build upon them, reform them, reinvent them . . .
The glass is half full, even if the water in it is not the most pure; it’s still potable enough.
Meantime, let’s build on the progressive movement and support Socialist Democrats like Sanders and Ocasio Cortez.
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It’s horrifying. I’m very worried that we’re going to see another Wag the Dog event.
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Tis the Season, I Think
For a while there—for several years—
I didn’t see ANY frogs here in Florida,
which is odd because, you know, Florida, frogs.
Where did all the frogs go? I kept asking
anyone who would listen.
Maybe they were on a Carnival cruise in Norway
or someplace cold like that
because when it rained hard here, recently,
the frogs appeared, suddenly, again,
THOUSANDS OF THEM on the lawn.
Only they were no longer green.
They were pasty, white, like milk
with a dash of Crème de Menthe in it
as though Fellini and John Carpenter
and Tim Burton had made a movie together
and had cast frogs as elderly albino people
streaming through the big cruise line station
in the pouring rain.
Yesterday, there was an election,
and Floridians went out and voted
against themselves again—
against themselves and the frogs.
They are righteous about how practical
they are being in pursuing this course
of killing themselves and the frogs.
And today the President held a news conference
and boxed, soundly, the ears of numerous journalists,
which he really shouldn’t have done
because not one of them even mentioned
That he must have worn goggles earlier,
when his keepers applied orange spray tan to his face.
Politely, I thought, NOT ONE OF THEM mentioned
that he looked as though a child
had painted big white racoon eyes
on an angry pumpkin.
Perhaps these are connected—
the sickly white frogs and the white-eyed Trumpkin.
Maybe I missed that we are now celebrating,
as a nation, twelve days of Halloween—
like, you know, the twelve days of Christmas.
But I’ll know when we officially switch
to celebrating the next holiday season because
I’ll hear in my head, as I do every year,
the voices of the ghosts of the Indians
who helped the white settlers to survive
after their first hard winter in New England—
voices of the ghosts of the Indians saying,
what the f**k were we thinking?
And then it will be again
the most joyous time of the year,
when our President rallies the country
to oppose the War on Christmas.
You know the holiday?–Christmas?–
the one you wouldn’t hear anything about
if it weren’t for his reminding us about it?
That’s leadership.
And what do horror movie ghost frogs say?
Knee deep. Knee deep. Come in.
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Yes, Bob is exactly right, the “moderate” domination of the Democratic Party will be Trump’s greatest asset. The nation is polarized and moderates will not arouse opposition to the Trump rule of jaw. Listening to Nancy Pelosi speaking in response to the confident, charismatic and bullying Trump at his red meat newsconf battle today, I fell asleep by Pelosi’s third sentence. She is beyond dull and spiritless and incapable of leading the militant opposition this dreadful moment calls for.
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Ira Shor- as you describe, the ongoing fatal flaw we’ve witnessed for years.
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Rule of Jaw — perfect!
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Rule of jaw. As in yesterday’s press conference:
“This one. She didn’t want the embrace. That one. He didn’t want the embrace. You know what? Too bad for them.”
Who talks and thinks like this? Mobsters. Gotti.
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Our GOP Governor got re elected (Larry Hogan- MD). His primary agenda?…..more accountability for the school systems and tax cuts. Boy, sounds like more fighting with the teachers union and more testing for the kids. Feeling really happy that child#2 is enrolled in private school.
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Really pleased for Wisconsin and Michigan. 84 school districts in Wisconsin went to voters requesting funding for schools last night- 76 won.
They’ll be able to rebuild after Walker. It’ll take a decade or so to come back but they’ll get there. Eight years of decline is a set-back but it’s not fatal.
Michigan’s job will be more difficult- they had ed reformers in power much longer.
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Second that!
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Ohio, unfortunately, left the status quo of the last decade in place- the exact same people who robbed school districts to send money to their political backers at the corrupt ECOT remain in power- the same 4 men. No one at ECOT was held accountable for robbing the citizens of this state and ECOT’s political patrons are still in place to rob us again. Which they will do- there’s no risk to doing so- they know there’s no accountability.
I have mixed feelings about it- on the one hand I fear for the continued degradation of the state’s public education system(s). On the other hand I’m relieved that my youngest graduates in a year so it will no longer be personal to me.
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Florida is equally as irresponsible. The vandals won, and the schools and the poor will pay the price, although there will be a recount for the Senate seat. There’s little hope of actually getting the seat.
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Yep. Ohio went with what was familiar. Unfortunately, I know way too many OEA members who had DeWine signs in their front yards. There are a lot of results around the country worth celebrating. I’m trying to not let our state’s results spoil those.
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Diane, Thank you! Looks like Montana is being called for Tester, the Democrat! This post makes me feel better about Beto. Still, it was a good night for Texas Democrats, considering the gerrymandering against us. Especially happy the odious Don Huffines was defeated.
Sara
On Wed, 7 Nov 2018 at 12:02, Diane Ravitch’s blog wrote:
> dianeravitch posted: ” Thanks to the Boston Globe for this > helpful,summary: THE US HOUSE This was the bellwether for Democrats since > the entire country voted (all 435 House seats were on the ballot; only > one-third, or 35, of Senate seats were). Even though Republican” >
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I am in Canada, but I am very happy and confident in Americans who unite and determine to win back their House of Representatives. Congratulations on American spirit.
Yes, yes, yes, Americans set the best example to the world regarding citizens to have freedom in voting Congressmen and women in representing their democratic power = investigate the corrupted government officials who secretly SELL OUT America to fascist or Communist leaders for their own FAKE power and money (= these corrupted USA government officials will be killed later by poison from secrete beautiful female spy, who can guess and how does it disappear!!!)
I admire Mr. Sessions who is intelligent to quickly resign, just like two primary important people with Trump in the beginning {Breitbart Steve Bannon and Lawyer Priebus [had the shortest tenure of any non-interim White House Chief of Staff in American history]}.
I hope that all Saints and Angels in America from all cultural backgrounds will protect all Americans who was born and raised in America with the same faith in humanity from the same Public Education learning. Hip hip hurrah to Americans. Back2basic
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Glad to see that the Democrats won the House, and did it by stopping with all the Russia Ruxsia Russia nonsense. They at least had the good sense to realize that, despite Rachel Maddow and others squandering two years on what was in essence a ploy by the Clinton/Obama wing of the Party to maintain control despite their catastrophic ineptitude, they had to focus on matters of material importance to people.
They may not care that the collusion trope remains unproven, but at least they had the common sense to see that it’s a political loser.
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I am very happy to say that, at least so far, Chris Cheung [D-IN], is now my state representative. The count was very close but The Times of NW Indiana has declared him a winner.
A number of months ago, I went with Chris knocking on doors to hand out flyers notifying people that 500,000 people had been taken off voter rolls in NW Indiana. Chris is VERY progressive and this article states that he is in favor of better funding for schools!!! I’ve written to Hal Slager [R-IN] many times about the problems Hoosier schools are facing and never got a reply. Nothing ever changed. Indiana is a ‘leader’ in vouchers, charters and that public school teachers make less now than back in 1999.
…………….
[NWI Times] Hard work positioned Chris Chyung on a blue wave to victory in the 15th House District
CROWN POINT — Political newcomer Chris Chyung rode a blue wave into the 15th House District Tuesday and captured it from incumbent Republican state Rep. Hal Slager.
Chyung, 25, of Dyer, posted “VICTORY! THANK YOU!” late Tuesday night on his Facebook page after having outpaced Slager by 86 votes. Chyung outpolled Slager 12,473 to 12,387, according to final, unofficial totals.
Slager said early Wednesday he is neither conceding nor sanguine about a successful recount as he and his advisers consider their options.
“It’s a leap on a recount when there is that many (votes.) But there are a lot of issues they need to consider. It’s a job I love doing. I’ll miss it,” Slager said.
Chyung attended a Democratic House caucus meeting in Indianapolis on Wednesday.
“It’s an honor and such a privilege to serve the 65,000 constituents I have now. We hope we can make some good changes in educational funding,” Chyung said…
‘https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/hard-work-positioned-chris-chyung-on-a-blue-wave-to/article_fe1e5561-5d72-5d43-aa32-d3c27381dfc4.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share
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Thank you carolmalaysia for your excellent news. Congratulations on your dedication and excellent effort that helps Indiana Democratic party to be Americans people Power in House Representatives come true on November 6th, 2018.
All educators in America and all students in Public Education schools shall celebrate together with our beloved Dr. Ravitch and her NPE organization. Dr. Ravitch endlessly spends her precious time to educate her readers in her blog. There are about 35 + millions re-reading times of her motivations and logical advises for the past 5+ years.
It is the best hope for many next generations of American students in Public Education Schools. I am in deep gratitude for Dr. Ravitch, all conscientious Educators, all parents and all students who have soothed my soul through all of your dedications to bring hope of peace in the world. I love all of you. May.
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m4potw: Chris Cheung [D-IN] is my state representative in Indianapolis and Pete Visclosky [D-IN] is my House Representative in DC.
Since Chris knows me I do plan to forward Diane Ravitch’s blog whenever she tells about what is happening in Indiana schools. Now there will be at least one force for good in a red GOP dominated state.
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May,
I hope you are well. It is always wonderful to read your words of wisdom and kindness. We love you.
Diane
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Dearest Dr. Ravitch:
My blood pressure has been going up so high from my unrest feeling about the election for all Democratic candidates for Congress and House of representatives on November 6th, 2018.
After reading an excellent result about the victory of the wave of all new and incumbent democratic male and female candidates, my belief and confident is restored from your dedication, and from all of your supporters/voters. You and all conscientious American voters have brought hope in humanity for people in the world.
My health will get better with a hope and peace in the world that will come true. Definitely, I find that it is worth to live longer to witness people who enjoy to live in a harmonious society with a respect for humanity and an equal access to learn in a fully funded Public Education.
Please accept my respect, love and heartfelt appreciation for all of your love and endlessly dedication to Americans and to the world for your educating people about the importance of Public Education to all learners. I always love you and all of your veteran educators that contribute in your education blog.
Respectfully yours, May
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Dear May,
I send warm wishes and love to restore you to good health. Take your blood pressure medicine and I will take mine.
Diane
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May,
I, too, send my wishes for your good health.
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May, your words are so inspiring. I also wish for peace, beauty and love to prevail. Thank you for the work you do to help others. You are a beautiful person and I’m waiting to hear that your health is improving.
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Looks like the troops that are going to ‘save our southern border’ are having a tough time. They can go home now. The election is over and Trump played his little demeaning tune for his loyal followers.
………….
November 10, 2018
NYTimes.com »
TOP STORIES
With little electricity, no combat pay and a holiday away from home, the 5,600 U.S. troops on the southwest border wait for the migrant caravan.
Saturday, November 10, 2018 10:22 AM EST
The American troops who rushed to the brown, dry scrub along the southwest border are still going through the motions of an elaborate mission that appeared to be set into action by a commander in chief determined to get his supporters to the polls, and a Pentagon leadership unable to convince him of its perils.
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