A couple of easily-overlooked bits of good news for Republicans and the right last night:

Republican Greg Ballard defeated a two-term Democratic incumbent in the Indianapolis mayoral race – in what is being called, “the biggest upset in Indiana political history.” They also won control of the City Council.

In Oregon, a hike in the cigarette sales tax to pay for health care for children was overwhelmingly rejected, 60 percent to 40 percent.

As noted in the Corner, New Jersey voters rejected borrowing money to pay for stem cell research – looks to be about 53 percent to 47 percent.

Actually, yesterday there were anecdotal reports that the driver’s license issue was hurting New York Democrats. From a contributor to Daily Kos in a local New York state race: “I had target about 473 votes to win. We didn’t make our numbers and they exceeded theirs significantly. I guess the attack pieces worked at turning out their vote. Bummer. I’m hearing that Democrats suffered across upstate New York and perhaps even downstate due to the illegal immigrants drivers license issue.”

UPDATE: In Virginia, D.J. McGuire notes that the Republicans who stood toughest against tax increases performed better than in their previous races. (Some off-color language at the link.)

I also note that in the closely-watched race between Jeannemarie Devolites Davis and Chap Peterson, she campaigned on her support of gun control, and the NRA endorsed her rival. (Also, I just want to note that it’s an odd circumstance when the guy in the bow tie named “Chap” is the Democrat in the race.)