Reporter's Notebook: What Palin's loss in Alaska means for November

Alaska's special election could illuminate an important trend to watch this fall as Democrats defend razor-thin majorities in the House and Senate

But the northern political lights of Alaska could illuminate an important phenomenon to watch for in the midterms this fall. 

Alaska voters just tapped Rep.-elect Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, to succeed the late Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, for the remainder of his term. Young died earlier this year flying back to the state. Young held the seat since winning a special election himself in 1973 — and flipping the seat from Democratic to Republican. Peltola bested 2008 Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin and GOPer Nick Begich III. Begich is the grandson of late Rep. Nick Begich, D-Alaska, who died in a plane crash in 1972 and was succeeded by Young. Former Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, is the uncle of Nick Begich III.