Yesterday's special election results are cause for major concern to Governor Matt Blunt and the MO GOP. 

In a legislative district that President Bush carried by four percentage points just one year ago, Democrat Jane Bogetto bested Republican Moira Byrd [1] 58-42.  Byrd defending Governor Blunt and his policies and was rewarded with a dramatic loss.

On the other hand, in the rural 150th district, Republican Jason Smith managed to win by 600 votes.  So, isn't that good news for the Republicans you might ask.   Not really, and here's why.

Jason Smith was only able to win by running away from Governor Matt Blunt.  Here's a pledge that Smith signed [1] that criticizes Governor Blunt's health care cuts and talks about their devastating impact on the citizens of Crawford and Dent Counties.

So the common theme in both House races was that the winning candidate repudiated Governor Matt Blunt and his policies.  That can't bode well for the Republicans long term.