Democrats take Del. Senate, House seats

DOVER, Del., Nov. 2 (UPI) -- The Democratic Party Tuesday held on to the U.S. Senate seat in Delaware long occupied by Joe Biden and won the state's single congressional seat as well.

With more than half the election districts reporting, Newcastle County Executive Chris Coons led with 60.5 percent of the vote to 36.3 percent for Tea Party newcomer Christine O'Donnell in the Senate race, the state Department of Elections reported. Lt. Gov. John Carney Jr. had 60.5 percent to 37.4 percent for Glen Urquhart for the House seat now held by Republican Mike Castle.

On Election Day, the Secretary of State's Office admonished the O'Donnell campaign for holding rallies outside polling places loud enough to be heard inside, The News Journal of Wilmington reported.

"The Republican Party will never be the same and that's a good thing." O'Donnell said. "Our voices were heard and we're not going to be quiet now. This is just the beginning. We've got a lot of work to do."

While O'Donnell got some support from right-wing television and radio pundits, including former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and a lot of national attention -- much of it unfavorable -- she received little support from the national Republican Party. Castle, who lost the senatorial primary to O'Donnell after winning 13 statewide elections, declined to endorse her, and some national figures, including Karl Rove, openly criticized her.

O'Donnell was also dogged by questions about her personal finances, including allegations she used campaign funds for living expenses.