Palin hails win for 'common sense and fiscal sanity'

Last night's election returns were "a victory for common sense and fiscal sanity," former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) said.

Palin praised GOP victories in Virginia and New Jersey in her latest Facebook note, while dismissing the loss of her candidate in the special election in New York's 23rd congressional district.

"The race for New York’s 23rd District is not over, just postponed until 2010," Palin said. "The issues of this election have always centered on the economy – on the need for fiscal restraint, smaller government, and policies that encourage jobs."

"In 2010, these issues will be even more crucial to the electorate," she added. "I commend Doug Hoffman and all the other under-dog candidates who have the courage to put themselves out there and run against the odds."

Palin had endorsed Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate, over Republican Dede Scozzafava, who subsequently left the race to endorse Democrat Bill Owens, who won the election.

Palin's endorsement for Hoffman was seen as a catalyzing moment for conservatives' jumping ship to endorse Hoffman with Palin and a fellow 2012 presidential hopeful, Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R), following suit.

Palin characterized the evening's other victories as a win for other Republican beliefs.

"Of course, the real victors in this election are the ordinary men and women who voted for positive change and a return to fiscal sanity," she said. "Your voices have been heard."