Former PA Gov. Tom Ridge (also of Homeland Security fame) was beating the airwaves with a commercial to retain Justice Newman.
Not knowing the particulars, my guess is that Newman and Ridge have some political ties that go way back. His radio ad had been running pretty regularly in the last two weeks leading up to the election.
Did Tom Ridge save Newman's ass?
It would appear that Ridge's commercial played a big part. Also, Newman's party affiliation may have helped. The leaders in the movement to "unretain" the justices were conservatives. Newman was spared some of the wrath for that reason. Also, the female factor played a part, I am sure.
Nice job writing this up. This vote gives some hope that Americans have longer attention spans than we're given credit for, and we actually do care when our government flaunts their power. Let's see what happens in the legislative races a year from now. 
Commenting by HaloScan
