With much of today's election talk focusing on the Chafee/Laffey race, I wanted to take a moment and recognize Pat Toomey's success, this cycle.

In 2004, Congressman Toomey narrowly failed to oust Pennsylvania's liberal Senator Arlen Specter. But that didn't stop him from impacting America. When Stephen Moore left the Club for Growth after the '04 cycle, many wondered if the group could continue its upward trajectory (after all, it is not uncommon for a group to flounder after the departure of the founder.)

Because the Club vigorously backed Rep. Toomey's Primary campaign against Specter, Toomey was philosophically a perfect replacement for Moore. And rather than flounder, the Club for Growth has thrived beyond anyone's wildest dreams. Today, a short couple of years later, Toomey is synonymous with the Club.

Ironically, it was his defeat that made this all possible. After a tough defeat, some men sulk and feel sorry for themselves -- others devote themselves to pecuniary interests -- but Toomey has arguably contributed more to the conservative movement than he would have done had he succeeded in becoming a U.S. Senator.

Tomorrow, Club endorsed candidate Steve Laffey will go up against Sen. Linc Chafee. Regardless of how tomorrow's election out, Toomey can already claim the first cycle of his tenure as a success. And if Laffey wins, it will be a huge exclamation point on his tremendous first cycle as Club president.