In parsing a disappointing political outcome, it’s tempting to seek out a redemptive conclusion or a silver lining. If neither is readily available, there may at least be valuable strategic lessons to be extracted for future fights. When it comes to last night’s special election in Ohio’s 11th congressional district, however, it’s difficult to see what might be drawn beyond the boringly bleak insight that organized money continues to dominate American politics — and is often terrifyingly capable of swatting down challenges to the status quo.

Coming from behind in a race that initially seemed like Nina Turner’s to lose, establishment favorite Shontel Brown last night secured a comfortable victory with a margin of more than 6 points — the result following a weekslong barrage of advertising that was less about boosting Brown’s campaign than tarring her opponents’.

Despite the district being among the most solidly blue in the country, it was clear from the outset that establishment Democrats wanted Turner defeated and, with a gracious assist from America’s cartoonishly corrupt campaign finance laws, they are now celebrating exactly that outcome. Though there may be a strategic debate to be had about decisions made by Turner’s campaign (Might it have gone negative against Brown sooner? Could it have developed a better defense against its rival’s attack ads?) — even a cursory survey of spending in the race underscores the extent to which what ultimately beat her was just sheer money, and lots of it.