Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees.

The pundits are trying to make a big deal about a Democrat winning an election in legislative district where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 2-1 margin.

A little perspective is in order on the Judy Schwank-Larry Medaglia race to fill the seat of the late Sen. Mike O'Pake.

Republicans held 30 of the 50 seats in the Pennsylvania Senate before the election. Republicans will hold 30 of the 50 seats after the election.

O'Pake was the No. 2 ranking Democrats in the Senate after spending nearly 40 years in the chamber.

Schwank will be the No. 20 ranking Democrat and the lawmaker with the least seniority in the minority party until her term ends at the end of 2012.

Nothing changed for residents of the 11th Senate District other than losing what little clout O'Pake had.

PoliticsPA Editorial: Why SD-11 Was a Big Win for Democrats