Republicans took control of the US Congress — a stunning triumph for President George Bush — on Wednesday after securing a key Senate race in Missouri, according to media projections.
Fox News and CNN said Republican Jim Talent would unseat incumbent Democrat Jean Carnahan, who conceded defeat in a speech to supporters in St Louis, Missouri.
With 97% of the vote counted, Talent had 50 to 48% to Carnahan, who was appointed to the seat two years ago after her late husband was elected by the state’s voters.
”We are all the better for the battle,” Carnahan said. ”Ours is a cause that has not been lessened by defeat or diminished by the heartache.”
Talent’s win gives the Republicans a projected 50 senators to 46 for the Democrats and one independent, with three races undecided. With Vice President Dick Cheney’s tiebreaking vote, they will now be able to control the Senate after already retaining control of the House of Representatives.
The Republican advantage could widen, however, with wins in as-yet-undecided races over Democratic incumbents in Minnesota and South Dakota.
In Louisiana, incumbent Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu faces a December 7 runoff against Republican Suzanne Haik Terrell.
Senate control was a key goal for Bush, who shattered political fundraising records and went on a five-day, 15-state tour before Tuesday’s vote. – Sapa-AFP