Winning an election is not the victory.

Shrinking government is the victory.

We don't advance by getting a Republican in office. That can help, but it's a bit like getting soldiers into place on the battlefield. The war hasn't yet started... you're just positioning the troops so that they can fight. Obviously, positioning your troops is not a victory.

But too many act as though just winning an election campaign is the victory.

Keeping more of your money is the victory. Having less bureaucracy to deal with is the victory. Freedom to be entrepreneurial is the victory. Having more confidence about the economy is the victory. Winning an election guarantees none of that. It might suggest those things are possible, but no one knows until legislation is filed and signed into law to accomplish these things.

Celebrating an election victory as though it's everything and all is wonderful is about as worthwhile as a participation trophy. No thanks.

To win, you need your troops on the field. No doubt. Never forget that true victory is winning battles and ultimately winning the war.