Washington in 60 Seconds: Obama Skips Election Drama; Joe Wilson Looks Up 'Dithering'

Good morning, Capitolists! It's morning in America for Republicans again after winning the governors races in Virginia and New Jersey and getting buckets of free ink in an otherwise sleepy congressional district in up, up, upstate New York.

If you fell asleep or were otherwise engaged, here's what's making news in Washington today:

* Obama Pre-action to Dem Losses: No Drama. As Democratic defeats loomed in New Jersey and Virginia Tuesday afternoon, the White House staff said the president would not be watching the election returns. After a meeting in the Cabinet Room, CBS News' Chip Reid asked Obama whether the elections were a referendum on his tenure so far. The president's reply: "Good try, Chip."

* Money Can't Buy New Jersey Governor's Race. After spending $22.6 million of his own money to keep his job in the Garden State governor's mansion, Jon Corzine lost by just over 1 million votes. That's 20 bucks per vote to lose. His victorious opponent, Chris Christie, spent about one-third of that.

* But It Sure Helps in NYC. Maybe Corzine should have compared notes with billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who pumped $90 million of his own pocket change to secure a third term as New York City mayor. Despite outspending his opponent, Bill Thompson, by an eye-popping 14 to 1, Bloomberg only managed a six-point victory. That's $161.56 per vote.

* Five-Second Health Care Update: The House Republicans released the text of their health care proposal Tuesday night; the House Democrats posted their "manager's amendment"; and Harry Reid said there likely won't be a Senate vote on the bill until next year.

* Joe Wilson's Dictionary. Our favorite man of words, South Carolina Rep. Joe "You Lie!" Wilson, told a talk radio syndicate this week that he agrees with Dick Cheney that Obama is "dithering" on Afghanistan: "And I actually had to look up 'dithering,' and it means 'indecisive,' and that's exactly what he's being." Thank you, The Hill, for that that nugget.