Election night wasn’t exactly a cliffhanger for those following the Republican contest for governor.

Gov. Matt Mead rolled to an easy win, garnering 53,673 votes compared to 31,534 for Dr. Taylor Haynes and 12,463 for Cindy Hill, the state superintendent of public instruction. The results were widely anticipated and at the moment the first returns were in, it was obvious Mead would claim a comfortable victory in his bid for a second term.

Yet, on Thursday morning, Mead revealed during a press conference that he had yet to hear from either Haynes or Hill. Typically, candidates who lose will congratulate the winner and wish him or her well.

Considering Haynes’ and Hill’s performances during the campaign, we’re not shocked they have failed to follow the tradition of good sportsmanship and political courtesy. This is a state of polite, well-mannered people who accept victory and defeat equally well.

These two challengers did not. It’s something we will remember, and we trust voters will, too.

Mead said he will reach out to the voters who backed his opponents and hopes they support him this fall. However, he understands why they didn’t cast ballots for him last week.

“They have some differences of view with me,” Mead said.

But he said there is likely a greater disagreement between Haynes’ and Hills supporters and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Pete Gosar. Mead said he hopes the GOP can join ranks in time for the Nov. 4 election.

In Wyoming, Republicans enjoy a supermajority, the governor said during the press conference. With such an overwhelming number — Republicans outnumber Democrats more than three-to-one in the state — there are sure to be disagreements, he said.

Political parties are like any group of people. They may agree on many things but they also accept the fact that not everyone will march in lockstep. Not only is that not realistic, it’s not a positive; a difference of opinion and healthy, even spirited debate is quite welcome.

The election, however, revealed that most Republicans side with Mead and other more traditional members of the party. Just look at the results.

Candidates who appealed, in both senses, to the extreme elements of the GOP failed locally and across the state. Those who were associated with the Tea Party movement, either openly or by their comments and actions, failed, often miserably.

The 2014 primary was a litmus test, and it revealed the rank and file of the Wyoming GOP do not want to support proposals that are not in keeping with historical patterns of policy and conduct. We don’t want to expel federal officials, drill and cut timber in national parks or back away from education reforms.

Instead, voters support a steady, reliable hand on the tiller. They want to see the economy continue to improve, and it has. They favor strong schools, with as little politics involved as possible.

They want to be able to engage in a discussion with the federal government, sometimes through the media, other times in court, as Wyoming seeks to limit overt federal intrusion. They want cooperation and progress, not controversy and noise.

Mead has proved to be that steady hand, and voters rewarded him on Election Day.

The governor said he feels the 2010 elections he won, both in the primary and general, as well as last week’s primary, prove Wyoming voters support him and his views.

We agree. The numbers we saw last week show most Republicans do as well.

Now we look forward to a lively, issues-based campaign between Mead and Gosar. They know and respect each other and should provide a spirited race.

And we bet on Nov. 4, whichever man loses will have the sense — and grace — to call and congratulate the winner.