President Obama took what he called a "shellacking" in the mid-term elections. The Republicans gained more than 60 seats in the House. This was the biggest turnover in 60 years.

They gained 6 Senate seats, 10 Governorships, 19 State Legislatures and more than 600 local members of state legislative bodies.

The best example of the extent of voter anger and the strength of Tea Party activism are the results in Wisconsin. Ron Johnson, a businessman who had never sought political office, ran against an entrenched Democrat in the previously blue state and won. In addition, for the first time in 70 years in that state, the Republicans won the Governorship and both houses of the State Legislature.

The election was a clear rejection of Obamacare, the failed stimulus, the bailouts and the backroom deals orchestrated by Pelosi and Reid. It was also a rejection of the TONE set by the arrogant Obama team in the White house.

It is often said in politics that if you can't win on the issues, then attack the person. The Democrats did that in spades. A survey of political advertising taken during the campaign showed that while 60% of Republican ads were focused on out-of-control government spending, the stimulus and Obamacare, 70% of the advertising by Democrat candidates was aimed at the person or personality of the opponent.

Obama led this negative change by calling Republicans "ENEMIES" and incredulously saying they should "RIDE IN THE BACK."

The new congress faces a daunting task. The issues are monumental. It will take people willing to work together. Bi-partisanship doesn't mean what Obama seems to believe - if people agree with what he proposes, it is bi-partisanship.

The first step is to tone down the rhetoric. Our leaders should be able to discuss issues without name calling or incendiary remarks. Mitch McConnell did not have to say his only goal in the next two years is to defeat Obama in 2012. Is it really? Speaker in waiting Boenner did not have to say he has "a few tricks up his sleeve." Hasn't he been listening to the Tea Party?

Our Republican leaders in congress need to take a leaf out of New Jersey Governor Chris Christy's book. He talks about "shared sacrifice." Here, in Virginia we do not have to look far for a fine example of bi-partisan co-operation. Virginia Governor, Bob McDonnell has been able to quietly and efficiently work with Democrats and Republicans to solve our state's fiscal crisis and balance our budget.