Grading Texas

CNN is projecting 72yearold Democrat Jerry Brown to win back the California governor’s office he held from 19741982. The “Comeback Kid” has a 5point lead over Republican nominee Meg Whitman in early returns.

Jerry undoubtedly enjoyed his old job. I may be wrong, but I seem to recall that he dated Linda Ronstadt back then, or maybe it was another singer. Anyway, if CNN is correct, it looks like he his back. Gov. Arnold, a Republican, will be handing over the reins of the largest and perpetually challenged state to a Democrat.

CNN also is projecting that Democratic U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer of California will survive a challenge from Republican (and failed CEO) Carly Fiorina.

Rand Paul, the ultraconservative son of the ultraconservative Congressman (and former presidential candidate) Ron Paul of Texas, has jumped out to an early lead in his race for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky. In very early returns, Republican Paul is leading, 56 percent to 44 percent, over Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway for the seat being vacated by Republican Jim Bunning.

Rand Paul may have moved to Kentucky, but philosophically this acorn didn’t fall too far from father tree.

CNN is projecting Republican Dan Coats as the winner of an open (now Democratic) Senate seat in Indiana. And the TV network is calling Rand Paul the winner of the Senate seat in Kentucky, which will remain in Republican hands. Rs still nine seats short of gaining a Senate majority.

Delaware voters apparently have saved the rest of the country from Christine O’Donnell, the onetime witchcraftdabbler who recently amused a debate audience with her lack of basic knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. Republican and Tea Party favorite O’Donnell is the projected loser of the race for the Senate seat once held by Vice President Joe Biden. Democrat Chris Coons is the projected winner.

Marco Rubio is the projected winner of the Florida Senate race, beating Republicanturnedindependent Gov. Charlie Crist.