By KJ MUSHUNG
RICHMOND, Va. — Former Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia won the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by fellow Democrat, Sen. Jim Webb. Webb had decided he would retire at the end of his current term.
Kaine ran against Republican George Allen, who also used to be governor of Virginia.
Kaine received 52 percent of the vote to Allen’s 47 percent.
Thanks in part to Kaine’s victory Democrats will retain control of the Senate while Republicans will retain control of the House of Representatives.
Kaine has also served as the Commonwealth’s lieutenant governor and as mayor of Richmond.
Allen has previously served in the House of Delegates and as a U.S. Senator, but lost re-election to Webb in 2006.
In a statement to his supporters early Wednesday morning, Allen told his voters to continue to support the cause he’s championed during his campaign.
“Tonight, after a hard-fought contest, we have been reminded how closely divided our state is politically. I am still glad we got off the sidelines and into the fight in this pivotal election – advocating for the voices of Virginians. I want to thank God for the love of my life, Susan, who worked tirelessly throughout the Commonwealth to share our positive message for America’s Comeback. And I thank God for our wonderful children—Tyler, Forrest and Brooke. We have never worked harder to motivate and inspire people for specific reforms to restore the American Dream. And thank you to the thousands of energetic volunteers throughout Virginia who gave their time, talents & treasure to support our cause,” said Allen.
