What does it mean?

Now that Republican Scott Brown won the Senate seat in Massachusetts, people are trying to figure out what it all means.

Was this a referendum on health care reform? One person I spoke with suggested President Obama’s decision to try terrorists in civilian courts swayed a lot of voters, too. Others simply blame Democrat Martha Coakley for running an awful campaign. People don’t like it when someone acts as if they’re entitled to a Senate seat.

But the ramifications of this election are difficult to overstate. This story on Politico.com suggests the election was just as stunning as everyone makes it out to be. Health care reform will be dramatically affected.

The author suggests listening to how Democrats reacted:

“Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) told a local reporter, “It’s probably back to the drawing board on health care, which is unfortunate.” Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-Mass.) told MSNBC this morning he will advise Democratic leaders to scrap the big bill and move small, more popular pieces that can attract Republicans. And Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) said his leadership is “whistling past the graveyard” if they think Brown’s win won’t force a rethinking of the health care plan.

Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), who now might draw a challenge from Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), said the party needs to rethink its entire approach to governing.”

My take? Republicans need to be careful about celebrating this one too much. Voters may be unhappy with Democrats, but that doesn’t mean they love Republicans, who squandered 12 years of leadership, including six years controlling the White House and Congress.

People don’t like all the bailouts and expensive new programs, and the Bush administration wasn’t much better than what we see now. They want leaders to change direction, to stop the shenanigans, such as special health care deals for unions or Nebraska. Otherwise, they will keep throwing the bums out, regardless of party.

What’s your take?