Not surprisingly, yesterday’s election is the biggest news of the day.

Thanks to everyone who came and hung out during our live blogging last night. We hope it was as much fun for you as it was for us. We had great discussion, people watching different TV channels and websites for up to the second results.

We’re interested to hear your reactions to all the races that concluded last night? Are you happy? Sad? Encouraged? Worried? We want to know what you’re thinking this morning.  We’re glad that we won’t have to watch any more negative TV ads. Is it just us or was this a cycle with a lot of negative campaigning on a national, state and local level.

In Erie County, there was 68% turnout. In our post yesterday, some people reported short lines, others, like Mike, waited an hour and a half to cast a ballot.  In general there were very few issues reported and everything went smoothly at the polls.

Barack Obama is your new President-Elect. In Pennsylvania, Obama won by a 55-45% margin over Senator John McCain. In Erie County, Obama won 60-39. Across the U.S., Obama garnered 52% or 62,404,500 of the popular vote and McCain 47% or 55,350,039, however, the electoral college looks much different with Obama 338 and McCain 163. You can read a transcript of Obama’s speech from last night here. Here’s an excerpt:

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

 
Newcomer Kathy Dahlkemper defeated incumbent Phil English by a rather close margin of 52 to 48% (140,700 to 132,429). Much like the Times-News said in its endorsement of Dahlkemper, we’re going to be watching and holding you accountable, and look forward to seeing what Dahlkemper can acheive.  That being said, don’t be surprised if English runs again in 2 years.  Dahlkemper has a long road to take.

Jane Earll held onto her state senate seat, defeating Cindy Purvis with 58% of the vote (61,134 to 44,173).

In statewide races, Jack Wagner (D) defeated Chet Beiler (R) in the Auditor General race. Tom Corbett (R) defeated John Morganelli (D) in the Attorney General Race. Robert McDord (D) defeated Tom Ellis (R) in the State Treasurer race.

Erie bloggers have a lot to talk about this election.  Emma at Eriepressible attended Dahlkemper’s election party last night and found out English never called to congratulate her.  BoJo’s Mom has an open letter to the two presidential candidates.  Hillman at the Hill Street Blog is upset at the win by Obama but vows to respect the man and the office.  Jenson was pleased with last night’s live blogging here at ErieBlogs.  There’s more so make sure to check out what’s new in the right hand column and support the local bloggers.

Sports

The Erie Otters announced yesterday that Jason Baird will be the guest of honor this Friday night when the Otters meet the Peterborough Petes at 7 p.m. at the Tullio Arena.

The Edinboro volleyball team picked up its 26th win on Tuesday night, defeating Mercyhurst in four games. The 25-21, 25-14, 17-25, 25-22 win left the Fighting Scots with a 26-6 record and 10-1 in the PSAC West. The Lakers fall to 19-13 and 5-6, respectively.

The Allegheny College men’s cross country team is ranked fourth in the latest edition of the United States Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association Mideast Region poll.

The Gannon University women’s soccer team lost 1-0 to Indiana (Pa.) in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference quarterfinal Tuesday afternoon at Gannon University Field. Lady Knights’ goalkeeper Sabrina Chirco (Brampton, Ontario/St. Thomas Aquinas) made six saves in a losing effort.

The Gannon women’s basketball team will waste little time testing its ability in 2008-09. The Lady Knights open the exhibition season Wednesday, November 5 at the University of Notre Dame. The Irish are ranked 16th in the Associated Press NCAA Division I Preseason Poll. The contest is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Events

The Erie County Historical Society presents Gales of November: Lake Erie Shipwrecks Series II at the Erie Planetarium. Noted historian and mariner Dr. David Frew will tell gripping tales of Lake Erie shipping disasters and awe-inspiring stories of survival. The event will be held Tuesday, November 4 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Cost is $6 or $4 for children.

Wednesday, November 5th the Guelcher Film Series at Mercyhurst College will show “schism” the first feature film from Lyons Den Productions, an Erie-based, award-winning production company. The film was shot in various locations in Erie including Brevillier Village, the Armory, and East Erie Turners. It also stars several local actors. This is the first locally-produced film to be selected for the prestigious film series.

The Harlem Quartet will perform as part of the Penn State Behrend Music at Noon Concert Series on November 5th at noon in the Reed Union Building. The Harlem Quartet’s mission is to advance diversity in classical music while engaging young and new audiences through the discovery and presentation of varied repertoire, highlighting works by minority composers.

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive events list to see a list of events for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.