My 5 Biggest Disappointments In 2010

When your party loses 60 seats in Congress, there's lots to be disappointed in. You can be disappointed in all of the losses, but some will stand out. There are some so bad, that you stand there and wonder who in the world voted for them. I've picked out five that I find to be the most awful of them all. Feel free to disagree.

#1- Lou Barletta over Paul Kanjorski-
Yeah sure, it was close in 2008, so this wasn't a shock. What's that say for it though? Barletta, a mayor known best for his nativist, racist rhetoric against Latinos, is now a Congressman-elect, on his third try for the office. What'd he do to get promoted? Frankly, nothing. His city, Hazleton, where he has been Mayor since 1999's election, has the highest unemployment in the state, an achievement in a state suffering from the recession, and a true credit to how bad he has done (lots of mayors are suffering right now, but that he tops them all after 12 years tells the story). He's raided his pension fund, and even has floated selling his Water Authority. He's been a real failure as Mayor (despite his support locally), so it's shocking he got promoted to Congress. After all Kanjorski did for that region (and Hazleton), it's a shame.
#2- Jon Runyan got elected to Congress-
Just the fact that a guy who never seemed all that bright amongst football players got elected to Congress, convinces me that we're a half step from electing someone from "Jersey Shore" to high office in this country. Yes I know the Eagles are a religion in South Jersey, but did anyone really pay attention to what this guy was saying? I think not, and that's half the problem.
#3- Florida Elected A Criminal Governor-
Rick Scott's health care companies admitted to huge Medicare fraud. Somehow, only his companies paid fines, but he as CEO faced no consequences. So no jail time for Rick, but something else was coming his way. He's the Governor of Florida. Scott got elected despite having admitted essentially that he defrauded the government for Medicare money. Sound like a Governor? No. Not to me either.
#4- Chet Edwards Lost-
Texas Congressman Chet Edwards, who had survived Tom DeLay's efforts to topple him with the extra re-districting, finally lost in 2010. A military man and moderate, it seemed like he might last forever in Texas politics, a young enough man yet to have a future of moving up. Not now. He's unemployed.
#5- Patrick Murphy Lost His Re-Match-
In 2006, Congressman Patrick Murphy became the first Iraq War vet to be elected to Congress. He's now the latest guy out the door. Considered a rising star, Murphy's race really went sour in the fall, and there was just no turning it around. He seemed to fit this district perfectly, but in fact, he apparently didn't.