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Democrats score huge Congress win

2008-11-05 08:48:00

The Democrats have registered a clear victory over their Republican opponents

in voting for both houses of Congress.

The party captured at least five Senate seats from their rivals, increasing

their majority in the 100-seat chamber.

And with projections still to come in from some states, the Democrats already

have the 218 House of Representatives seats needed for a majority.

All 435 seats in the House were up for election, while 35 of the Senate seats

were available.

Analysts say winning control of both chambers should make it easier for

President-elect Barack Obama to push through the legislation he wants.

In the House, the Democrats eased past their previous total of 235 seats,

meaning they retain control with an increased majority. Projections suggested

the party would make a net gain of between 12 and 24 seats.

"Tonight, the American people have called for a new direction," said House

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat. "They have called for a change for

America."

In the Senate, the Democrats have 54 seats compared with 40 for the

Republicans. Two other seats are taken by independents who vote with the

Democrats. Races in four states are too close to call.

Senate majority leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, credited the party's

gains to Mr Obama.

"It's been a really good night. Obama ran a terrific campaign, he inspired

millions of people," Mr Reid told the Associated Press.

Despite their success, the Democrats failed to win 60 Senate seats - a

so-called super-majority that would prevent Republican senators from using

procedural blocks such as filibustering to hold up legislation.

Spirited campaigning

Republican candidates endured a miserable day at the polls in most of the

closely-fought states.

Virginia voters replaced retiring Republican veteran Senator John Warner with a

Democrat, former Virginia Governor Mark Warner.

DEMOCRAT SENATE TARGETS

Democrat gains

New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Virginia, Colorado

Republican held

Kentucky, Mississippi

Results to come

Alaska, Georgia, Minnesota, Oregon

New Mexico followed a similar pattern, with Democrat Tom Udall voted in to

replace long-term Republican senator Pete Domenici. Mr Udall's cousin, Mark

Udall, also unseated a Republican in Colorado.

In North Carolina - one of the states where pollsters predicted a close fight -

projections showed Republican incumbent Elizabeth Dole beaten convincingly by

Democrat rival Kay Hagan.

Another key battleground state was New Hampshire - a traditionally strong

Democrat state with a Republican incumbent, John Sununu.

Projections suggest he has lost his seat to the popular former governor, Jeanne

Shaheen.

Alaska controversy

There are still some close contests to come, with the Democrats intent on

moving into staunch Republican territory.

One of their most surprising target states has been Alaska, whose Senate

delegation has been solidly Republican since 1981.

Incumbent Republican Senator Ted Stevens has been a dominant figure in Alaskan

politics since 1968, when he first won his seat.

But he was convicted in October of lying about gifts he had received, and was

already facing a tough re-election battle against the Democratic Mayor of

Anchorage, Mark Begich.

There was some positive news for the Republicans, with voters in Kentucky and

Mississippi returning their candidates despite determined efforts by Democrat

rivals.

Meanwhile, voters in 11 states were also electing governors, and in 36 states

there were 153 proposals to be decided.

Voters in Colorado and South Dakota rejected initiatives that could have led to

abortion bans. Washington became the second US state to allow people with

terminal illnesses the option of doctor-assisted suicide, while Nebraska

outlawed affirmative action.

Exit polls in California suggested a close race on a proposed constitutional

amendment that would limit marriage to heterosexual couples. Thousands of gay

couples have wed in the state since a court ruled in May that gay marriages

could go ahead.