After Democrats swept the White House and Congress a year ago, pundits predicted the death of conservatism and the Republican Party. The results of Tuesday's election prove them wrong. Not only did Republicans win the governorship in New Jersey and Virginia but also conservative opposition prompted liberal Republican Dede Scozzafava to drop out of the Congressional District 23 race in New York state in favor of conservative candidate Doug Hoffman. While the virtually unknown Hoffman ultimately lost to his Democratic opponent, Republicans Robert F. McDonnell and Chris Christie -- propelled by a shift in sentiment by independents -- swept to victory in Virginia and New Jersey, respectively. Distaste for President Obama's and the Democratic-controlled Congress' left-leaning policies clearly was a significant factor in turning the tide. But the results also show that, contrary to dire predictions of a year ago, conservatism is alive and