Election 2008 one for history books

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- The United States and the world witnessed history Tuesday when U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., became the first African-American elected president.

Voters waited for hours -- some reported waiting up to six hours and more -- and in some cases endured lousy weather to cast their ballots in the historic battle between Obama and Republican John McCain to become 44th president of the United States.

More than 125,000 screaming, crying supporters attended Obama's election night rally at Chicago's Grant Park, which was a battleground between demonstrators and Chicago police during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

The scene was more somber in Phoenix, where McCain met with his backers on the grounds of the Biltmore Hotel, where he traditionally watched returns during his Senate races and where he married his wife, Cindy, 25 years ago.

U.S. Senate Democrats were poised to gain at least five seats, but appeared to fall short of the 60 seats necessary to block a filibuster.

Democrats also were expected to pick up at least 20 seats. The defeat of Rep. Chris Shays, R-Conn., means New England states have no Republican representatives, and Republican House leaders promised the party will rebuild.

In North Carolina, Tarheels elected their first female governor, as Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue defeated Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory. Perdue follows Mike Easley, who could not seek a third term.

Meanwhile, Democrat Jay Nixon, became Missouri's next governor after serving as the state's attorney general. Nixon ran against Republican Rep. Kenny Hulshof to succeed Republican Gov. Matt Blunt, who didn't seek a second term.