Here's a simple explanation for why the GOP got routed on Election Day: Republicans were insisting that American troops should stay in Iraq, but the voters strongly disagreed — they want out. Exit polls show that a solid majority of voters — 58% — voiced support for withdrawing "some" or "all" of the troops, while only 38% of voters supported keeping the same troop level or sending more. (No timeframe was given for withdrawal in the question.) And here's a look at voter support for withdrawal in states with key Senate races:

* Virginia: Withdrawal has a 52%-40% advantage

* Ohio: Withdrawal leads 57%-39%

* Virginia: Withdrawal is favored 52%-40%

* Missouri: Withdrawal is up 50%-44%

* New Jersey: Withdrawal 62%-32%

* Pennsylvania: Withdrawal 60%-36%

* Tennessee: Withdrawal 46%-41%

* Rhode Island: Withdrawal 69%-26%

* Montana: Withdrawal 50%-44%

* Maryland: Withdrawal 62%-32%

And here's the most mystifying one of all: In Connecticut, where the Senator who opposes withdrawal solidly beat back a challenger who supports it, voters back withdrawal by...63%-31%.