Hugo Chavez Rebuked

It's hard to know what to make of the results from Venezuela's gubernatorial and mayoral elections. The Los Angeles Times reports it as a victory for Chavez, while The New York Times calls it a setback. Chavez's candidates won 17 of the 22 governorships up for grabs, but, according to the AP, Chavez won 21 of 23 governorships last time. His party also lost the high-profile mayoral race in Caracas. The 65 percent turnout set a Venezuelan record. Chavez remains popular despite high crime, 40 percent inflation, and falling oil prices. He had indicated that he will try again to abolish term limits and extend his political and budgetary power over regional governments after voters rejected his initiative to do so last year.