IN-Gov: A Bright Spot for Republicans

In an election night widely expected to be filled with bad news for Republicans up and down the ballot, the reelection victory by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) provides a welcome bright spot.

Daniels's win over former Rep. Jill Long Thompson (D) was confirmed by the Associated Press shortly after polls closed in the Hoosier State even as the early vote count showed Barack Obama and John McCain running neck and neck in the state.

It's hard to see this as anything other than a missed opportunity for Democrats. Daniels was seen as one of the most vulnerable Republican governors when the election started but ran an extremely strong campaign and benefited from Long Thompson's inability to raise money. The challenger also may have been hurt by her status a former member of Congress running in the year of the outsider.

Daniels is a success story, winning in the worst environment for Republicans since Watergate. His win may provide a blueprint for GOP strategists looking for answers after tonight.