''The First Wind in a Hurricane'' (UPDATED)

After a hard-fought race, Democrat and former Marine Paul Hackett came within a handful of votes or winning in one of the most Republican areas of the country. This was a win for Democrats everywhere, and Paul Hackett has made Democrats nationwide proud. Paul was a phenomenal candidate - one that put his life on the line in Iraq and was ready to serve again in Washington. Republican Jean Schmidt is the poster child for Ohio corruption - and she'll fit right in with the Republican caucus.

Paul's fight and his commitment to his beliefs helped turn a deeply red district a little more blue. His campaign was proof that by fighting in all 50 states - in every race at every level - the Democratic Party will be able to win anywhere. After rallying continually for weeks around Paul's campaign, it's nice to see it end with such a stunning win - even if it didn't result in a new Democratic member of Congress.

A short round-up...

Hunter says: "Biggest winners here are the grassroots, and Dean's 50 state strategy. A 70% Republican district was turned into an edge-of-your-seat race -- I'd have liked to win the thing outright too, but realistically, these results are fantastic."

John Aravosis says: "If the GOP can't win by a romp in Ohio's Second District, they are in big trouble. And four points in this district is big trouble. ... Great job by Paul Hackett...he has started the campaign for 2006 and has given us all great hope."

Armando says: "New Ohio Democratic superstar Paul Hackett went into the lion's den of pure Red Southern Ohio and scared the pants off of the GOP losing by less than 4 points in the face of a NRCC promise to 'bury him.'"

Tim Tagaris says it was "a win for the 50 state strategy, the netroots, and the future of the country--the grassroots of the Democratic Party."

DavidNYC says: "Tonight's results exceeded my wildest expectations. Don't get me wrong - I would have been overjoyed had Hackett won. But I am still thrilled, and his tremendous showing in an incredibly red district should buoy the hopes of Democrats everywhere."

Atrios reminds us of what Cook said, and adds: "Something is very, very wrong for the Ohio GOP." Chris Bowers at MyDD says: "It's tidal, if you ask me."-from The Blog on the DNC site.

Update: "Earlier today, before the results were known, Charlie Cook wrote this in the Cook Political Report: But even assuming a GOP win tonight, the margin of victory can give us some insight into just how radioactive the governor’s troubles and the “time for a change” sentiment in the state will be for other Republicans in the Buckeye State next year. If Schmidt’s victory margin is in double digits, this tells us that there is not much of an anti-GOP wind in Ohio right now. If the margin is say six to nine points for Schmidt, then there is a wind, but certainly no hurricane. A Schmidt win of less than five points should be a very serious warning sign for Ohio Republicans that something is very, very wrong, while a Hackett victory would be a devastating blow to the Ohio GOP."-from The Democratic Daily Blog.
And this story in the Cincinatti Enquirer headlines, "Closeness of race a surprise, Few expected Hackett's performance in GOP-heavy district."