Why can’t some politicians accept defeat? Why can’t they gracefully exit the stage, adhering to the voice of the voters?

To be far, many, many politicians do. But there are some high profile examples of politicians thumbing their nose at primary results, only to mount an independent bid in the general election.

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) did it in 2006 when Ned Lamont beat him in a bitter, but fair Democratic Senate primary in Connecticut. Rather than accept the action of the voters, Lieberman decided to run as an independent, and prevailed on election day.

Now, we have another example, as Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has decided to mount a write-in campaign after her surprising primary loss weeks ago to a virtual unknown candidate.

I know the loss must have stunned Murkowski, who was believed to be sailing to another term in the Senate. And, that loss probably has been difficult to accept. But, it was the will of the people.

It takes some real arrogance to look at the results of a fair, democratic election and still say, “I don’t care what the voters said, they still do really love me. So, I’m going to break with the party I have pledged to support and have fought for through my entire political career and run as an independent so I can keep my job in Washington.”

We have elections for a reason. It’s the people’s opportunity to voice their opinion. And, in a change election they generally want… change. That seems obvious, except to the politicians who don’t want to be swept out in the wave of change.

UPDATE: There are now reports on the politicalwire.com that Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE), who was soundly defeated by Christine O’Donnell in last week’s GOP Senate primary in Delaware, is considering mounting a write-in campaign as well. Add him to the list…