Most people have had the experience of being picked for a job before. You nervously prepare for an interview, meet the boss, try to describe your credentials and, if you have successfully piqued the company’s interest, you get hired. The next step, logically, is to throw a large party in your honor and proclaim your greatness to the company that hired you.

Of course, this type of arrogance could only fly in the political world. Perhaps no greater evidence exists as to why the political process is flawed than when politicians win a race and celebrate as if that is the part of the job that actually matters. “Legislating? That will all fall into place. I was elected!”

We get it. Kind of. Countless hours during a campaign are spent knocking on doors; staffers making annoying phone calls that make the most overzealous telemarketers seem mild by comparison and just phoniness in general are all hard, time-consuming work. If it all pays off with election to the desired office, you want to celebrate.

If you are a Democrat, it appeared there was much to celebrate Tuesday night. A majority was gained in both the U.S. and Michigan Houses, and Republican majorities in both Senates were reduced. It has been a long time since Democrats could say they had this kind of political clout. I get this too, it was another reason for celebrations, I guess.

Throughout though, as I watched as victory after victory was followed by champagne, balloons and awkward dancing, one thought kept permeating my psyche. Namely, nothing has been done yet. Democrats have spent the better part of the last decade emphatically declaring that, should they be given the chance, they could come up with better solutions to economic problems, preserve individual rights, fund education, lower fuel prices and more effectively handle national security.

In this election, voters decided to roll with that message. Last time I checked, though, those problems were not eliminated simply by a subtle shift in ideology showing up at the polls. With people unemployed, struggling financially and facing other personal crises, it is a little early for victory parties. Maybe you should wait and see if your promised policies actually come to fruition before popping the bubbly.

There are still many questions to be answered. Jennifer Granholm was given another four years to right the Michigan economy, create more funding for public schools and continue attempts to create a better-trained workforce. Her first term was largely unsuccessful, and a majority of voters gave her the benefit of the doubt when she said a Republican controlled Congress rendered her ineffective. Now it is time to prove otherwise.

David Robertson (R-Grand Blanc Twp.) was re-elected by a slim margin to represent the Grand Blanc area in the House. While he has carved out a reputation as a hard-working legislator, nearly as many people thought it was time for a new voice (21,125) as those who felt he should be re-elected (21,812). His challenge, and the challenge of others who ran close races, will be figuring out how to reach those people who voted against him. At the end of the day, politicians may pander to their support groups, but those who truly take their jobs seriously, will attempt to reach all of their constituents, not just those who voted for them.

The Goodrich Village Council will have a new face, as Patricia Wartella was elected along with incumbents Edmund York and Rick Horton. Wartella has made no secrets about her opposition to many Village directions, and at least 330 residents must agree with her to some extent. It will be interesting to see how the Council works with an openly critical voice on board and how the other members react to the concerns of a growing number of residents.

There is no time for partying, because before we know it, it will be 2008 and we could just as easily see drastic shifts in the other direction.

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