The results from Midterm elections here in the United States and big victories for the Republican Party who now has captured control of Congress. We begin our election coverage with Chris Simkins on the winners and losers.
Republican Party candidates celebrating across the country after their election victories. From the Southern state of North Carolina where Republican Elizabeth Dole won a Senate seat.
NORTH CAROLINA SENATOR ELIZABETH DOLE
“This is a night for heart-felt thanks for all of those who put their trust in me.”
To the western state of Colorado, where Republican Wayne Allard won his Senate seat.
COLORADO SENATOR WAYNE ALLARD
“I have never seen in recent history the Republican party get so excited about a race.”
NATURAL SOUND: (Cheering)
The Republican take over of the U S Senate from the Democrats was complete after Missouri Senator Jean Carnahan conceded defeat to her Republican challenger.
MISSOURI SENATOR JEAN CARNAHAN
“I have just called Mr. Talent and conceded this race.”
In addition to now controlling the Senate, Republicans were able to retain and tighten their grip on power in the House of Representatives.
Voter turnout was higher than expected in key states helping propel Republican candidates.
The victories are a big boost for President Bush who campaigned vigorously for party candidates including helping them raise 141 million dollars in campaign donations.
In the final five days of the campaign, President Bush lent his support to Republicans in 23 states.
Outgoing Senate majority leader Democrat Tom Daschle says President Bush’s emphasis on the war on terrorism and a possible war with Iraq prevented Democrats from getting their message across to voters.
SENATOR TOM DASCHLE
“You had a President who talked a lot about 9/11. I think this country is still in the upheaval of 9/11. I think the war with Iraq, the North Korean situation, all of that probably precluded us from having the opportunity to break through with the issues we wanted to talk about the most, the economy, education, health care, those issues that generally resonate for democrats.”
Current Republican Senate Minority leader Trent Lott also credited President Bush with helping Republicans take control of the Congress.
SENATOR TRENT LOTT
“He put his prestige on the line and I believe it made a huge difference in the election.”
REPORTER ON CAMERA
Now President Bush will preside over a government where both chambers of Congress at the capitol are controlled by Republicans. Political analysts say that will make it much easier for the Bush Administration to push through their legislative agenda for next year.