Thank you all for raising your voices by coming out to vote. My faith in the American public has been restored. Harry Truman once said to the people “I wonder how many times you have to be hit on the head before you find out who’s hitting you.” Well, on November 7, 2006, the people finally found out. Our great country showed that it has the power to correct itself through the election process. Our votes changed the unequal and unhealthy balance of power that has led this country astray for the past 6 years. The public is tired of the ugliness and the mean spiritedness. The American people want to come together and they want our leaders to work together to finally accomplish the people’s business.

Take a look at the amazing victories that the Democrats secured across the country on Election Day.

Senate:
The Democrats secured 6 new seats in Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island to take control of the Senate.

House:
The 28 House districts that were won by the Republicans in 2004, shifted to the Democrats in this election, with 10 seats still to be decided. Having won control of the House, a woman will occupy the role of Speaker of the House for the first time in history.

Governorships:
Democrats picked up 6 new seats in New York, Ohio, Colorado, Arkansas, Massachusetts and Maryland. The Democrats now hold a majority of the governorships in the country.

Secretary of State:
The role of Secretary of State is pivotal in determining elections. Republicans have relied upon their control of this position to dramatically influence voting and block the implementation of voter-verified paper trails. The Democrats secured wins in important states like Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, New Mexico and Nevada taking a big step in the direction of ensuring a more fair 2008 election.

Victories for Women:
There are now 16 women in the Senate, 71 in the House of Representatives (with 7 races pending), South Dakota voters decisively rejected the toughest abortion ban in the nation and Nancy Pelosi will become the first woman Speaker of the House and 2nd in line for the Presidency!