To the victors go the spoils, according to a familiar axiom.
But, we would add, that's no reason to spoil the victory.
In Tuesday's election, Republicans posted significant wins, both nationally and locally. The power that comes with political victories, however, must not be abused.
Nationally, Republicans gained a majority in the U.S. Senate and padded their majority in the House of Representatives. Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell, who is in line to become Senate majority Leader, said the results show voters are "hungry for new leadership."
GOP majorities in both houses of Congress now reflect the Republican majorities that continue in Missouri's House and Senate following Tuesday's vote. And, in both the nation and our state, Republican lawmakers will deal with Democratic chief executives - respectively, President Barack Obama and Gov. Jay Nixon.
Also approved was a Republican-backed initiative in the form of an amendment to the Missouri Constitution to transfer budget powers from the governor to the Legislature.
And, in Cole County, Democratic incumbent Circuit Judge Pat Joyce not only was the lone Democrat elected Tuesday, she will be the only elected Democrat in the Cole County Courthouse. Joining her in the courthouse will be nine additional Republicans, both opposed and unopposed, who prevailed Tuesday.
Partisan candidates frequently emphasize working for the people and compromise.
When those candidates ride a tidal wave of partisan victory, however, the tendency is to envision a mandate.
The axiom cited at the beginning is derived from the quote - "To the victor belong the spoils" - by New York Sen. William L. Marcy in reference to the 1828 election victory of the Jackson Democrats. The quote also is linked to the "spoils system," which denotes an abuse of power.
We congratulate the winners of Tuesday's election.
With elected office comes power; use it wisely and always on behalf of constituents.