Brian Mann of North Country Public Radio takes a good run at the - let's be polite - contradictions of the conservative magi, now that Doug Hoffman has lost.

Remember, part of being in a 'movement' is never, ever admitting you could possibly be wrong, except that you didn't do whatever you do hard enough for long enough.

Or 'them' won because they're treacherous/evil/backed by George Soros/backed by the liberal media.

Read Brian's piece here: northcountrypublicradio.org/blogs/ballotbox/2009/11/did-dick-armey-just-throw-doug-hoffman.html

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The New York Times reports the GOP is newly 'energized' by victories in races for governor in New Jersey and Virginia, but is trying "to avoid a prolonged battle with conservative activists over what the party stands for and how to regain power."

The money quote:

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, a conservative organization that strongly supported Mr. Hoffman, said that conservative activists intended to play a role in Republican primary and general elections next year and that it was just as important to keep unacceptable politicians out of Congress as to help others win.

Read the whole thing here: www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/us/politics/05repubs.html

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Bill Owens is in town today to 'thank supporters.' We'll be asking Owens, who avoided debates like H1N!, if he'll commit to at least three public debates with his opponent/opponents next year.

Marc Heller at the Watertown Times lays out what Owens now faces. Read it here: www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091105/NEWS02/311059951

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Speaking of the paper, if I had to pick one of the winners of this election season, it would be the Times. John Johnson Jr. led the way in changing the argument from 'all national noise, all the time' to 'what do you know about the people you want to represent?'

It was the first, critical chink in the armor of the national conservatives who hijacked the race, and while Dede Scozzafava's endorsement of Owens was no doubt a big deal, I think the paper set the tone in our area and got the word out - don't think you can just come to town and run over the rubes.

As you know, newspapers are having a hard time finding their way these days - Jude Seymour and Marc Heller's superb reporting, and the editorial page prove that a paper can still be very, very relevant.