U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr. won a second term Tuesday night by defeating Republican Tom Smith in the state’s lone senate race.
Casey had been outspent in the race by Smith, a wealthy Tea Party leader who largely ignored the southeastern part of the state. The Associated Press called the race for Casey with about 60 percent of the vote counted and fellow U.S. Senator Pat Toomey congratulated Casey on his victory.
Casey, a blue-dog Democrat who has supported most of President Obama’s signature policies, no doubt benefited from the high turnout by Democrats in the state. And while Congress has received record low approval ratings as a result of partisanship and political gridlock, Smith’s lack of name recognition and political experience did not instill enough confidence in voters to send him to Washington.
“My family and I are humbled and grateful for the support of millions of Pennsylvanians,” Smith said. “And though we fell short tonight, we will continue to advocate for the principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility and individual liberty.”
With the economy the number one issue in the election, Smith touted his experience as an entrepreneur who would help jumpstart job creation.
“We’ve got to get this economy roaring, we’ve got to get that deficit spending under control, and I’ve got the plans and the background to do that,” Smith said during the only televised debate. “That is what I have done for 44 years.”
Concession
Smith ended his bid for U.S. Senate on a gracious note, conceding at 10:35 p.m.
“My congratulations tonight goes to Senator Casey,” said Smith. “[We both] believe America’s best days are ahead of her.”
More results
Pennsylvania Attorney General
Kane 59%
Freed 39%
U.S. House – Pennsylvania’s Eighth District
Boockvar 44%
Fitzpatrick 55%
U.S. House – Pennsylvania’s Seventh District
Badey 41%
Meehan 59%
