Despite our disappointment in Sen. McCain’s loss and our extreme sadness over the outcomes of gay-related ballot initiatives (AR bans adoption for gay couples; FL, AZ and…it appears…CA ban marriage for gay couples), there are some heartening things to come out of this election.

As we pointed out today, exit polls show McCain received 27% of the gay vote.  That’s up from 20% four years ago.  That equals 1.3 million votes – the most any Republican candidate for President has received from gay voters.

For Log Cabin members and all fair-minded Republicans, there is more good news.

70-75% of Log Cabin Republicans-endorsed candidates won House & Senate races, including 80% of incumbents.

Some Highlights:

Log Cabin ally Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) won re-election overwhelmingly.  Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) is too close to call still…and it could take weeks.  Unfortunately, Log Cabin ally Sen. John Sununu (R-NH) lost.

In the U.S. House, Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) won re-election, as did Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL).  Unfortunately, our good friend and without doubt one of the most gay-supportive members of Congress, Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT), fell victim to the Democratic sweep.

We’re delighted that Republican Steve Stivers in Columbus, OH is leading in his race (though the counting continues).  He’s an Iraq War veteran who favors repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  He’ll be a great ally in Congress.  Also, Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins won election to Congress.  Jenkins will be an important Log Cabin ally from a red state.

-posted by Scott Tucker