CNN is predicting that Carol Shea-Porter will be the winner in the NH First Congressional District race, beating incumbent Republican Jeb Bradley. You may (or may not) hear about this as a significant historic event. From my (very personal) perspective, it is. I'm in that district. I've watched Carol grow and mature as a candidate for national office over the last six months, becoming convinced that not only was she a good choice, but that she had a chance to win. She was worth helping. Apparently a lot of other people also felt the same way. She managed to win the primary election with little money and little "establishment" support or encouragement. Carol worked hard. Her supporters won it for her with their hard work and gusto. She was given little chance by the pundits to win the general election, running against a well financed incumbent. Again, compared to those campaigns considered "winnable" by the establishment, she received little monetary support or encouragement. They, all of them, underestimated the power of her supporters. Carol worked harder. So did her supporters, more and more of them. Again, they won it for her. Big Time!

So, what's historic about that? Simple... Those of us that live in this district now have a Congresswoman that can go to Washington owing nobody, except us. Not "Big Money". Not the Party Apparatus. Us... The "other 99%". Only time will tell what she can, or will, make of this opportunity, but, for now, enjoy. God Speed, Carol. We'll be watching (and watching out for) you. Keep in touch...