TWO FAMILIES…. We learned fairly early last night that Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R) lost her re-election bid in North Carolina. In fact, it wasn’t especially close, with Democrat Kay Hagan defeating Dole by nine points, 53% to 44%.

It’s worth noting, then, that next year will be the first time in 45 years that there isn’t someone with the last name Dole or Bush holding elected office in Washington America.

Just thought I’d mention it.

Update: I meant, the country, not D.C. George W. Bush was in office from ’96 to ’00, but in Texas.

Steve Benen

Follow Steve on Twitter @stevebenen. Steve Benen is a producer at MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show. He was the principal contributor to the Washington Monthly's Political Animal blog from August 2008 until January 2012.