McCaskill wins; Dems take House
After McCaskill's victory, control of the Senate is unclear.
Published Nov. 8, 2006
ST. LOUIS — The U.S. Senate race between Democratic State Auditor Claire McCaskill and Republican incumbent Sen. Jim Talent ended on Tuesday as McCaskill carried the evening. McCaskill garnered 49.5 percent of the vote as of 6 a.m. Wednesday, with 3678 of 3746 precincts reporting, according to the Secretary of State's Web site. Talent had received 47.4 percent of the vote.
McCaskill's victory gave Democrats a much sought-after victory in the Senate. At press time, control of the chamber hinged on two states, Montana and Virginia.
If Democrats won in those states, they would control the Senate; if not, the GOP would retain a slim lead.
Multiple media outlets had projected Democratic control of the House early on election night.
McCaskill celebrates victory
Through the night McCaskill built a small lead over Talent. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, McCaskill's margin of victory increased and she made her acceptance speech at 12:52 a.m., before Talent had conceded.
"Missourians have rejected the politics of personal character attacks," McCaskill said in the speech. "They have embraced the power of problem solving and new ideas."
St. Louis University student Amanda Textor said that with Democratic victories, there would be the added potential for a change of course in foreign policy.
"It just seems like we're not making any progress," she said. "So hopefully, with a Democratic majority, we would be able to kind of pick up the speed on that and get us out in a quicker timeframe."
In her acceptance speech, McCaskill also acknowledged Missourians who did not vote for her Tuesday.
"I will work hard to earn your trust and respect," McCaskill said. "I understand that I have a responsibility to work hard for all Missourians, and I will take that responsibility very seriously."
Former state Sen. Jean Carnahan spoke in support of McCaskill last night and said Missouri voters went to the polls with the clear message that they had had "enough" from the Republican Party.
"We have tested our democracy to see if the system of self-government still works," Carnahan said. "We saw record turnouts, and that is always a good sign for democracy."
Talent looks toward future service
Talent's supporters remained until 1 a.m. Wednesday awaiting the results of the midterm election. Shortly after McCaskill announced herself the victor, Talent stood before his supporters and conceded.
"I want you all to know that it was not for the effort, it was not because of any lack of support or work or vigor anywhere around this state," Talent said. "You all did a great, great job. The headwind was just very strong this year."
Talent also thanked those who have supported him in his career as a representative for Missouri.
Following the loss, Talent's supporters felt a variety of emotions.
"I'm very disappointed," said Samantha Hill of Holden. "I'm sad for the senator and for his family and for Missouri and what Missouri is going to be losing — a great statesman. I would love to see him go back."
Supporter Michael Meyer of St. Louis County believes the state will suffer as a result of the election.
"I'm very shocked and surprised. Senator Talent has been a wonderful senator all these years," said Meyer. "This is going to be a turn upside down for Missouri. They want a change — wait till they see what they get."
Talent is already looking to the future and urged his supporters to do so as well.
"I want all of you to go on and look for opportunities, as I will, for serving this community and this country," Talent said.
State auditor race also goes Democratic
Democrat Susan Montee defeated Republican Sandra Thomas in the Missouri auditor race Tuesday night, with Montee declaring victory around midnight.
"I've worked very hard for the last year to let people know how important this office is," Montee said. "I'm very pleased with the support I've received and the faith that's been placed in me."
Thomas conceded defeat to Montee around 12:30 a.m., saying it was a well-run campaign but a bad year for Republicans, said Thomas campaign manager Ryan Johnson.
Sean Spence, another campaign manager for Montee's, said she would be a strong, focused auditor.
"Both Susan and McCaskill have been very conscientious about dealing with problems as they arise and working hard to protect our tax dollars," Spence said. "Susan will be an aggressive, fearless watchdog over Missouri's tax dollars in the same way McCaskill has been."
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