The American people have spoken.

As a result, George W. Bush will be President for four more years, the Republicans increased their majority in both the House and Senate and for the first time since Reconstruction, our state legislature has a Republican-controlled senate.
In our state house, Republicans are now one seat closer to a majority.

With voter turnout at record levels, President Bush was able to garner more popular votes than any president in history.

What we are witnessing is an electorate that is becoming increasingly disillusioned with the Democratic Party, especially in the south.

While the Democrats were able to maintain control of both the east and west coasts, virtually every state in between fell in to the Bush column.

Southern states, which were at one time solidly Democratic, are becoming redder with each election that passes.

For 140 years, the Tennessee State Legislature has not seen Republican control of both houses, yet a recent poll conducted by the Tennessean indicates that a majority of Tennesseans would like to see a Republican-controlled legislature.

Given the course they are now on, it seems necessary for the Democrats to regroup and reevaluate their leadership, as well as their message. They are not connecting with the American people.

Looking ahead to the next four years, it is important for both parties to put the past behind them, without bitterness or anger, and work together for the good of the American people.

The Democrats in Congress have to be willing to work with the president and the Republican members and put aside the hostile rhetoric and accusations that have permeated their party over the past two years.

Under the leadership of President Bush, I see a bright future for this country.

In his next four years, the president will continue to advance the causes that are important to the American people and work each day to earn the confidence that the electorate has shown in him by sending him back to the White House.

On a personal note, I would like to thank the UTM College Republicans for their hard work and dedication this semester.

From making phone calls, to going door-to-door, to marching in parades and everything in between, you guys have made me even more proud to be a Republican, and I thank you! Your hard work paid off! — Christin Hayes is a senior Communications major from Milan, and is the president of the UTM College Republicans.