I am satisfied with the outcome of Tuesday's election, both in national as well as local races. I also take considerable satisfaction in that I live in a part of the state where my political leanings are in the majority in terms of the presidential and senatorial races and most local races this time around, at least. During my early voting years, I went several presidential elections where I did not vote for a winner. The past couple of decades have seen a different outcome.

Leading up to an election, one can not accurately gauge the leanings of one's neighbors. Not everyone hosts yard signs or writes vociferous letters to the editor. The shrill voices, which are so often heard, may or may not be representative of the community at large.

Wisconsin shows a curious mix of Democratic and Republican victories. I suspect that Democratic interests have greater sway in statewide races and that Republican interests have greater sway in local or regional races. One can not underestimate the value of the candidate him or herself. It would be perilous to assume that party affiliation is all that matters.

A surprise this time around is voters' acceptance of gay marriage in three states and their rejection of a traditional marriage amendment in the neighboring state. I am not sure anyone predicted such a "sweep." We must keep in mind that these votes addressed the matter and concept of civil marriage and not church or sacramental marriage. This is not unlike those, who posit the indissolubility of marriage and yet accommodate civil divorce.

We can only hope that some accommodation can now be made so that critical national issues can be effectively addressed.