Exactly. That's why the results of yesterdays elections are so meaningless. An off-off year election.

And the GOP won 2 governships but lost ah historically GOP congressional seat? That's supposed to mark some sea change?

The demographic factors in off year elections favor republicans- young and minority voters are less likely to vote than older ones.

Because of strong showings in the past couple of elections, the Dems are now in control of more contestable seats and so have more of a chance to lose some ground.

Both of these factors , along with the historical norm of the opposition party picking up seats in such elections would indicate that we're going to see some GOP gains in 2010. But lets start talking real numbers.

The scenario that seems to be playing out- the economy is already improving and the worst of the recession is behind us, but job growth is lagging. By the time elections roll around, we will be in full recovery mode and the economic mood will be brighter- though the still high [but lower] unemployment will still be a factor. The GOP will gain 10-20 seats in the house and 1-2 Senate seats.