Wisconsin voters elected Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, to a fourth term as representative of the Second Congressional District.
\I am proud and humbled that the people of south-central Wisconsin support the work that I am doing and have elected me again to be their representative,"" Baldwin said.
Baldwin accepted her win with hugs and high-fives from supporters Tuesday night after declaring victory over Republican opponent Dave Magnum.
""What a night, what a day, what an election,"" Baldwin said. ""I've been so excited and so proud all day as I heard the reports of such strong voter turnout, and indeed, we made history in the state of Wisconsin tonight.""
Even before polls had closed, Baldwin supporters attending the Wisconsin Democratic Party election celebration expected her to win, even hoping she would run for a higher office someday.
""Oh, I love [Baldwin],"" Betsy Starkey of Stoughton, Wis., said. ""I want Tammy to be senator and Feingold to be president. That'd be a great combination.""
George Penn said he supported Baldwin, even though he is an independent voter.
""I feel positive about Tammy,"" Penn said. ""I'm 52 and I've never participated in a campaign. This is the first time I've felt I've needed to.""
Baldwin expressed gratitude to her supporters and the volunteers she said were responsible for her re-election.
""You successfully ignored all those who said it couldn't be done,"" Baldwin said. ""You defied conventional wisdom, you believed in the power of your vote and your voice ... We thank you for believing in the power of your vote and in our collective voice.""
UW-Madison senior Joelle Lomax, a volunteer canvasser, felt this election was a victory regardless of overall results because of the sheer turnout of voters.
""There was 91 percent voting in Madison. That's a record,"" Lomax said. ""Even if Kerry loses, we still have Tammy and Feingold.""
Magnum conceded victory graciously to Baldwin.
""Tonight is a night to congratulate Tammy and wish her the best over the next two years."" Magnum said. ""I'm very at peace with this and I don't have any regrets.""
However, he did not eliminate the possibility of running again in 2006.
""We're going to wait and see,"" Magnum said. ""We'll factor all the things, look at running during a presidential year versus a non-presidential year and see what the future brings.""
Baldwin was declared victorious by the Associated Press after 142 of 397 precincts reported she had received 63 percent of votes compared to Magnum's 37 percent.
