Republican Senator George Allen conceded to Virginia Democrat Jim Webb
Thursday, officially giving Democrats control of the Senate.
The results of the election were released last night, showing Webb
ahead of Senator George Allen by a little more than 7,000 votes, but it
was not until just this afternoon that Allen gave the official word he
was conceding.
Allen, who had been considered a possible presidential candidate
for 2008, said he believes a recount would not change the outcome of
Tuesday’s election.
"The people of Virginia, who I always call the owners of the
government, they have spoken, and I respect their decision," said
Allen. "The bible teaches us that there is a time and place for
everything. And, today I have called and congratulated Jim Webb and his
team for their victory."
Webb’s win gives the Democrats a sweep of six Republican Senate seats.
"We’re gonna work hard to bring a sense of reponsibility on our
foreign policy that will, in my view, result in a diplomatic solution
in Iraq," said Webb.
The breakdown in the Senate is now 51 Democrats to 49 Republicans, with Virginia giving Democrats the edge.
The Democrats have also won control the House, marking the first
time in 12 years that the party has controlled both houses of Congress.
The shift in power in the House was more decisive. Democrats won more than two dozen Republican seats to take control.
Representative Nancy Pelosi will take Republican Dennis Hastert’s
spot as Speaker of the House, making the California Democrat the first
female speaker.
Hastert has decided not run for minority leader.