While a long term political realignment is the likely outcome of the disaster known as the Bush administration, in the short term most voters just want a government that works. Republicans broke the government and voters want it fixed.

Voters want the government to make it safe to drive over bridges. Voters want the government to build infrastructure that maximizes protection against flooding and earthquakes. Voters want the government to assure that financial institutions behave responsibly. They want the government to fix an inequitable health care system.

Voters are tossing Republicans out of office because Republicans don't respond effectively to disasters and frequently cause them. Voters want a government that works for them, not for the wealthy, not for the oil and gas industry. That's Barack Obama's mandate. And that's what a progressive Democratic legislature can help him deliver.