What Brown’s Mass. victory means for NY

Here are my two big takeaways from last night’s big Republican win in Massachusetts.

First, it’s a reminder to Democrats that this is a democracy. You don’t crown new US Senators, you elect them.

We’ve seen the Democratic Party in New York state devolve into a kind of bickering and dysfunction that suggests they may feel untouchable.

The message from Boston: What happens in Albany doesn’t stay in Albany. If you don’t create a meaningful message and a pragmatic platform, voters will find someone else to vote for.

There is also a growing discomfort with the size of government and the overhang of debt, especially among independents. Healthcare is the flash point of that fear.

If Democrats learn this lesson, refocusing their passion on jobs and economic security, the loss in Massachusetts might be worth the pain.

The second big lesson here is for conservatives. There has been a lot of nonsense spluttered over the last year about various conspiracies and the loss of democracy.

Republicans have even muttered about secession and batted around ridiculous talk about President Obama’s legitimacy.

This election proves one thing, once and for all: In America, change happens at the ballot box.

If you dislike Barack Obama, organize to defeat his party. Try to unseat him in 2012.

But it’s time to stop suggesting that every time you lose, it reflects a secret plot against the ‘true America.’

The bottom line?

Yesterday was a huge victory for democracy, proof that voters don’t want one-party rule, even in a progressive bastion like Massachusetts, and proof that we prefer dynamic politicians over dynasties.

If Democrats and Republicans pay heed, New York’s 2010 campaign year will be far more dynamic.

Tags: election10