The latest from the Political Grapevine:
Blame Game
Republican Alan Keyes (search) is blaming the media and even Illinois Republicans for his 43-point defeat at the hands of Democrat Barack Obama (search) in the Illinois Senate race.
Keyes says he struggled to overcome the "media stranglehold" on campaign issues, and blames what he called 'Republicans in name only' for "voting a socialist into office."
What's more, Keyes has refused to congratulate Obama on his victory, saying he will not applaud an opponent who is "evil enough to destroy the very soul and heart of my country."
Governor of Girlie Men
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (search), who earlier this year called state Democrats "economic girlie men," has lashed out at party officials yet again after their widespread defeat at the polls on Tuesday.
When asked whether he would listen to proposals from leading California Democrats for tax increases, he dismissed the idea this way: “Why would I listen to losers? I mean, let's be honest."
A spokesman for the governor says Schwarzenegger was not calling the Democrats themselves losers, but was referring to their tax proposals.
Textbook Case
A Texas Board of Education member is calling on publishers of health textbooks to clearly state that marriage is between a man and a woman.
Republican Terri Leo complains that the use of "asexual stealth phrases" such as "individuals who marry," instead of husbands and wives, undermines the Texas ban on same-sex civil unions.
But the board can only reject books based on factual errors or failure to follow the state curriculum. Nevertheless, a spokesman for one textbook publisher said it will come up with wording that is more appropriate.
Political Protest
Finally, 85 Boulder, Colorado high school students have ended a political protest in the school library.
The students took it over on Thursday to protest the policies of the Bush administration — and senior Brian Martens said they would stay until Republican leaders could "reassure us...that the government is doing everything in its power to prevent our futures from being destroyed."
Some students brought enough supplies to last them through the weekend, but school officials told them they had to vacate the library today in time for morning classes.
— FOX News' Michael Levine contributed to this report
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