U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., was elected to her sixth term in Congress Tuesday.
According to the Associated Press, Baldwin defeated opponent Republican Peter Theron by a 40 point margin. She received 70 percent of the total vote.
Baldwin, speaking at an election-night celebration at Monona Terrace, said she was extremely grateful for the opportunity to be the voice of south-central Wisconsin voters in Congress. Baldwin said though she was excited, the hardest work is still to come.
I am also mindful of the epic challenges that grip our nation and our world at this very moment, which makes your faith in my leadership ever more humbling,"" she said.
Baldwin joined Gov. Jim Doyle, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Joe Wineke and other Democrats at the celebration. She called the night ""extraordinary"" and said President-elect Barack Obama's victory was a strong message that Americans are ready for change.
""After eight years of the Bush administration with very little in terms of vision and leadership and far-sightedness, we now have somebody who is thinking not only of tomorrow but of the next generation,"" she said.
Wineke said the night was ""exhilarating."" He said the races could not have gone much better for Democrats but acknowledged, like Baldwin, that challenges lie ahead.
""We will be responsible for actions we take and I think that's important and that means that we better do them right,"" he said.
Baldwin spent Monday and Tuesday asking students to go vote. She said by Tuesday afternoon it was hard for her to find someone who had not voted yet.
Baldwin said she wants Wisconsin voters to find ""their own piece of this victory."" She said Democrats can continue to have success if voters come to the polls in future elections with the same commitment and enthusiasm.
""I think that what will happen is people who were involved will see the results of their involvement,"" she said. ""Look at what we did tonight when we work together and that lesson in and of itself will compel people to remain involved.""
- Jack Zeller contributed to this report
