"RELIGIOUS OUTREACH BY DEMOCRATS TRUMPS REPUBLICAN VALUES-SPEAK," heralds Jesse Lava, head of Faithful Democrats. He writes:

"One of the most significant revelations to emerge from the 2006 election is the Democrats’ enormous success with faith-based outreach. Democrats who were willing to share their faith with voters consistently exceeded expectations. Lost causes became close races. Close races became solid victories. Solid victories became landslides."

Why? Perhaps because, "Work should work," as Jim Wallis points out on the God's Politics blog. Among many up late last night, Wallis writes:

"Minimum wage initiatives are winning in Missouri, Ohio, and Arizona, and winning handily. In Missouri the proposal to increase the minimum wage is winning by almost three to one. Voters are saying that work needs to work; and that if you work hard and full-time in America you shouldn’t be poor."

Over at Street Prophets, Chuck Currie celebrates the church work in pushing the success minimum-wage campaigns. He quotes Let Justice Roll:

"Minimum wage hikes won in every state they were on the ballot, winning by a resounding 76 percent in Missouri, 73 percent in Montana, 69 percent in Nevada, 66 percent in Arizona, 56 percent in Ohio and 53 percent in Colorado (latest totals)."

Rabbi Jill Jacobs, of Jspot, points out a constituency that won big last night: Jews. Oi, this will be the most Jewish Congress ever with 13 in the Senate and about 30 in the House. But being non-partisan, she adds, "Here’s hoping that that other famous Jew–George Allen–doesn’t add to the numbers."

While David Buckley is right that the God gap is over - there certainly is a YHWH gap, with 87 percent of Jews voting Democratic.

CrossLeft posts Rabbi Michael Learner addressing some lessons learned:

"For much of the past two decades, the religious right was able to convince Americans that the great ethical issues were about sexuality and abortion. In this election, voters in many states repudiated local initiatives sponsored by the Right. Spiritual Progressives convinced many that war, poverty and the environment are central issues."

Sounding a similar note, the Rev. Deb Haffner reflects: "I think the American people sent a message. Stop politics as usual. Do something about ending the Iraqi War. Return to a nation characterized by fairness and compassion. Overall, a satisfying evening. We didn't get everything we wanted; we didn't lose everything we needed. Sort of like life."

In honor of the first Muslim elected to Congress, listen to Provoke radio's excellent show on Muslim-Christian Understanding. Guests include: Dr. John Esposito, director of the Center for Muslim Christian Understanding at Georgetown University; Dr. Zahid Bukhari, director of the American Muslim Studies program at Georgetown; and Mr. Ibrahim Ramey, director of the American Muslim Society, human rights division.

The Commonweal blog also notes the loss of the God gap and points to the details of the Catholic vote. Very interesting.

Jews, Catholics, Muslims, what about those Unitarian-Universalists? Philocrates has the election results.

Pam's House Blend (always steamin') gets excited as some conservative folks start the values blame game over the GOP losses. Always reaching out, CrossWalk America preaches that Love is not just a choice, but a human action.

And finally, Wolfie sounds a similar note at Street Prophets, reminding us - with a great map - that we really do live in a purple country.