Many Sharron Angle supporters were reportedly shocked and dismayed when the race was called for Reid last night. The surprise was most likely caused by one of two faulty assumptions.

Many Republicans believed Tea Party enthusiasm and anti-Reid anger would kick enough sand in the gears of the Nevada Democratic turnout machine to slow it down and enable the Energizer Bunny of Silver State politics to outrun her competitor.

And many Republicans believed the polls.

Both were clearly incorrect. As as a result, both the party faithful and the pollsters have some self-examination to do over the next few months.