The Hindu : Front Page : Democrats gain in both Senate and House

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Thursday, Nov 06, 2008
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Democrats gain in both Senate and House

NEW YORK: Democrats strengthened their majorities in both Houses of the U.S. Congress, assuring President-elect Barack Obama a stronger hand in enacting his agenda of change.

The Democrats picked up five seats in the Senate, increasing their control in the 100-seat Upper House to at least 56. They currently have a 51-49 majority, including two independents who vote in their caucus. Three Senate races with Republican incumbents remained undecided.

Races in Georgia, Oregon and Minnesota were too close to call. Despite the strong showing, the Democrats appeared to be falling short of their goal to take 60 Senate seats. A 60-40 majority would make it nearly impossible for the opposition to use procedural manoeuvres to block Democratic proposals from coming to a vote.

In the House, the Democrats expanded their 36-seat majority by wresting at least 21 seats from the Republicans, U.S. media reports projected. Among the 21 were 12 Republican incumbents and nine seats left open by Republican retirements. On the other hand, the Republicans were only able to capture four seats from the Democrats.

With winners yet to be called in 11 seats, the Democrats had won 251 seats and were leading for another five.

The Republicans had won 171 and were leading in six. If these trends continued, the Democrats could muster a gain of 20 seats. Heading into election day, the Democrats had a 235-199 majority.

In the lower chamber, the House of Representatives, the Democrats expanded their majority by dominating the Northeast and ousting the Republicans in every region.

The Democrats added at least 17 seats to the 30 they took from the Republicans in 2006. Fewer than 10 races remained undecided. — AP, PTI.

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