Midterm Election Results

Democrats take control of Congress

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Rep. Nancy Pelosi, center, celebrates with fellow Democrats at an election-night rally in Washington, D.C., November 7, 2006. (Photo: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

November 8, 2006

The votes are in! Democrats took control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in Tuesday's midterm election. Representative Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, is now positioned to become the first female Speaker of the House in U.S history.

"Today the American people voted for change and they voted for Democrats to take our country in a new direction, and that is exactly what we intend to do," said Pelosi, who has been the Democratic Leader of the House.

The outcome of the Senate race in Virginia determined which party gained control of the Senate. Republican incumbent (person who currently holds the office) George Allen fought to keep his seat against Democratic challenger Jim Webb. By Thursday afternoon, though, Allen conceded defeat. 

"The people of Virginia have spoken and I respect their decision," said Allen.

The next two years will most likely be difficult for President George W. Bush. According to analysts, control of Congress will allow Democrats to launch investigations into how the war in Iraq is being handled. Democrats will also be able to affect domestic policies on health insurance and the economy.

President Bush Responds

President Bush held a press conference on Wednesday, where he announced the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

"Secretary Rumsfeld and I agreed that the timing is right for new leadership at the Pentagon," the President said.

Rumsfeld has served as secretary since 2001. He also served under President Ford from 1975-1977. The president nominated former CIA Chief Robert Gates to take his place. Gates was head of the CIA from 1991-1993. He is currently president of Texas A&M University.

This midterm election marks the first time that Bush will have to work with a Congress controlled by the Democratic party.

“I told my party's leaders that it is now our duty to put the elections behind us and work together with the Democrats and Independents on the great issues facing this country,” the President said.

Across the Country

There were many tight races across the country, and even a few surprise winners.

In Connecticut, Senator Joseph Lieberman, who had lost the Democratic primary, won re-election, running as an Independent. The victory is considered a win for Democrats, because Lieberman said before the election that he would side with Democrats in the Senate.

For the first time in 12 years, Democrats have a majority in governorships. The Democrats won 20 of the 33 Governor positions that were open this election. In New York, Eliot Spitzer also became the first Democratic Governor in 12 years.

According to various exit polls, voters did not focus on local issues as much as national issues. Instead, they were more influenced by the war in Iraq, the economy, and President Bush's leadership.

 

Critical Thinking Question

Read today's news story, and then answer the following question.

Midterm Election Results How do you think Democratic control of Congress will affect issues like national security and the war in Iraq?

Join a discussion of this question on our bulletin board.

 

RELATED WEB SITE

Election 2006

Learn why midterm elections are just as important as presidential elections.

 

 

 

 

Tiffany Chaparro is a contributing writer for Scholastic News Online.

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