Nothing.
No.
No.
No.
Not voting for a liberal candidate in a supposedly conservative party, does not constitute sitting out the election.
It's not really relevant, nor interesting as to what we believe the "truth" to be when we're talking about politicians.
What's important to ask about what the pols think THEY have learned.
I think you're statement that the pols have learned "nothing" is unsupportable.
At least the leftists have "learned" that the "American voters have spoken for change."
Like it or not, that is certainly one result of the 2006 election.
Absolutely, right to the point. I know many folk who could not stomach some of the Republican candidates in 2006, but none of whom were focused on teaching anyone a lesson. When you do not vote for someone who is not palatable, or actively work against someone who is not palatable, your primary purpose is serving your conscience. Your one vote is hardly seen as a teaching tool.
I realize that some career politicos see everything through very subjective eyes, and do not understand those who vote principle over job seeking. Yet, if they would look a bit closer, they might actually draw some more realistic conclusions. But that would be self-education!
Cheers!
Bill Flax