Here in Washington State, progressives are doubly happy. Not only did we defeat right-wing initiative promoter Tim Eyman's I-1033 a so-called "Tabor" style initiative that would have crippled state and local governments, but we beat Eyman's sidekick, Mike Fagan, for a seat on the Spokane City Council.

And we couldn't be happier about the progressive that beat Fagan. Amber Waldref, the 32-year-old development director for the Lands Council, mounted an insurmountable lead - over 60% -- over Fagan in counting Tuesday night. Amber, who 2007 Progressive Majority candidate Richard Rush helped recruit, scored an impressive win for a first time candidate.

We look to hearing more from Amber as a new progressive leader in the months and years ahead.