The Loser

Dan Barry (The New York Times): MOOSIC, Pa. — The epic song of the sports bar’s television chorus, of glorious Republican conquest and crushing Democratic defeat, was helping those gathered for an election night victory party to prepare for its awkward opposite. Then came word that the guest of honor was about to arrive.

“Start cheering when he comes in,” a woman in charge said. With smiles wide, the would-be celebrators applauded the white-haired Democrat as he entered, and trailed after him as he made his way to a lectern bathed in the hot, harsh lights of impatient cameras.

It took a moment. But finally, Paul E. Kanjorski, 73, the dean of Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation, who, for a quarter-century, has represented Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and the towns and hollows beyond, said the words that instantly signaled concession to his Republican opponent, Lou Barletta:

“About 15 minutes ago...”

-eddie