Republicans claimed it was a referendum on the Obama administration and the Democrats and that they came out on top. No doubt Republicans won big in Virginia and in New Jersey. They changed the gubernatorial positions in both states in their favor and in Virginia it wasn't even close. In New Jersey it was a little closer which was a little surprising. This, especially considering the huge corruption scandal that state's governor was tied to earlier in the year.

But, these were actually not as much of the Obama related elections some would seem to think. In a poll taken by CNN a majority of those who voted Republican said they did so out of concerns for issues other than Obama.(http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/11/04/election.analysis/index.html) The same was the case in New Jersey. Democrats downplayed the wins somewhat sidestepping the significance of those wins.

But, these were local and statewide elections, not really those with national ramifications. Both states were very concerned about the economy, but no matter who had been elected president in November of 2008 we would still be in dire straits economically right now. That's just how it is and many voters apparently felt the same way.

Most who were keeping track of the presidential elections last year might remember by the end both sides admitted the fiscal crisis was complex and could not be solved easily. Both stated we could suffer fallout, perhaps lasting for years. Whether that is to be we will see . It's simply too early to see real change yet in an economy as far reaching as ours. Times would be tough if it were our current president, McCain, Clinton, Romney or anyone else having to deal with it.

For the most part those two states, Virginia and New Jersey, went the way they did due to local and statewide concerns. In my own hometown the city is mostly Democrat, but for the last three elections we have elected a Republican mayor. He was re-elected not because of Obama or Bush or the economy, but because he has done a good job and people respect him - period.

Two elections did count in terms of national ramifications. One was in New York and the other in California. In New York there was a hard fought slug fest for the seat of Congressional House Representative. National figures came to the district which had elected a Republican since the 1870's (correction from a previous article which I said the 1850's). In the end the Republican, selected by the local party chairs and given the national stamp of approval by Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, bowed out of the race.

The Democrat ran a great campaign, but the real story was the third party candidacy. Douglass L. Hoffman of the Conservative Party campaigned hard and stuck to his conservative principles and backed by the Tea Party elite ran on a platform very much in line with that of the Tea Partyers. This was to be a referendum on President Obama and Democratic proposals in the House at that time. Even if the Democrats came close it would have been good for them as in a district so ardently conservative national issues, especially those so currently contentious like health care reform, would have been a positive turn.

In the end the Democrats actually took the seat surprisingly even to many conservatives. The referendum went in favor of the move to reform the current health care system in the US and for that to be a thorough overhaul. In the end, even a place as conservative as New York's 23rd district saw a large proportion of voters favor health care reform.

In California it was less of a surprise, though still telling in terms of national opinion. In the 10th District the Democrats also picked up a seat with a say in national legislation and policy making decisions. Along with the 23rd district of New York it demonstrated public sentiment is not necessarily the way many Republicans tried to paint the recent elections. They did well in elections having local implications, but in places where voters were forced to think nationally Republicans lost.

For those legislators considering how to vote on health care legislation now look at the real facts. Look at how the elections really played out and what they really said. Both parties need to be careful sure, but health care reform of some sort is something a majority of Americans want. The votes cast said it and national polls agree. Those voting for this historic reform will be no worse off and most likely better come re-election time.

What will count is what no one seems to get. It's what else you do that will count and there's much to do as much was expected for those elected to bring change. Getting bogged down and doing nothing else will most certainly backfire.

In terms of health care reform look around you it's clear. The ayes have it. Vote for change.

To read about my inspiration for this article go to www.lawsuitagainstuconn.com.