Last night: pro-D, not anti-R?

Late on Tuesday, I described last night's results as a rejection of the GOP. That's the way the national press has spun the national results, based on the overwhelming shift in party ID.

I'm reconsidering.

In Washington, Democrats are the party in power. Even Gregoire's critics would admit she's passed a ton of legislation: all-day kindergarten, universal health care for lower middle class kids, emission limits. Clark County not only swung into her column (for now, at least); it sent her more help in the legislature and it took the liberal side of all three ballot measures.

(And if you don't believe assisted suicide is a partisan issue, look at its county-by-county performance.)

From DC, local voters asked for something different. From Olympia, they asked for something more.

At least that's my morning hypothesis. In Wednesday's paper, I'll ask a bunch of actual experts what they think. If you've got thoughts, send 'em.

michael.andersen@columbian.com