They may not have won, but discontented Democrats sent an important message to the Obama administration on Tuesday by mounting an unexpectedly strong primary challenge to Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. For the White House to minimize the efforts of unions and others who helped support that challenge suggests a tone-deafness to the growing restlessness in the Democratic Party.

There’s no question that Blanche Lincoln is a bad Senator, one who consistently puts the interests of big business over those of her own constituents in Arkansas. Because of that, Bill Halter’s primary challenge put her within an inch of the end of her political career. But now, after that challenge, it’s important to continue observing what effect it has on Lincoln’s behavior. In other words, in what ways will she learn her lesson?

It was a prime example of how the Villagers can’t stand the left and love their precious friends.

It’s hard to determine who is the biggest flipping tool in the giant toolshed that is the GOP/Media Complex. But Chris Matthews is definitely up there.

It would be

I don’t have a ton more to add on to what Jane, Markos and Greg Sargent have already said about our loss last night in Arkansas. As these astute observers mention, our loss wasn’t a message problem, and it wasn’t even much of a loss.

Hey, Blanche? All the corporate donors who were your best buds for the last few months? You can kiss them goodbye — now that they’ve ensured that a corporatist is going to win in November no matter what, they’re going to throw their weight behind the person they actually want. And that person isn’t just a halfway-Republican like you, but a real one.

Hey folks, MSNBC is down here in Arkansas, broadcasting from Little Rock, and they’re expected to carry Bill’s speech live after the results of tonight’s election has been called. You can watch MSNBC live here.

Hey folks – today’s the day. Today, Arkansans are going to the polls and making their choice between Blanche Lincoln and Bill Halter. It’s going to be a close one and we need all the help we can get to get out the vote for Bill today. If you’ve got a few minutes, you can help us win this primary by volunteering to phonebank from home. Click here to sign up for a shift – you’ll be doing all of us a great service by helping out.

Below is a final message from campaign manager Carol Butler. Take a moment to read it and please help out today!

Bill Halter