Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith Thanks Supporters In Tearful Concession Speech

November 7, 2008 3:05 p.m. EST

Salem, OR (AHN) - Two-term Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) gave a tearful concession speech Thursday night, hours after he lost a close race against Democrat Jeff Merkley.

Speaking from his home in Pendleton, the Republican senator thanked supporters and quoted Winston Churchill, saying "Democracy is not always a polite employer, but its judgments must be respected and observed." He added that he had no plans, "nor any plans to make plans about a future political career."

Smith also cited his work in passing a law to increase funding for children's mental health care, saying, "In my son's name we were able to do a great thing that is every week saving the life of a young person. I'm very proud of that." The senator worked tirelessly to pass the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act in 2004, a year after his 21-year old adopted son Garret committed suicide.

Merkley, Democratic Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, was declared the winner by major networks Thursday morning, when he had 49 percent, or 777,731 votes, and Smith trailed with 46 percent, or 736,696 votes. The race was too close call the previous day, when only 2 percent separated the candidates.

Merkley thanked supporters for the victory in a message on his website. "I am deeply humbled by the trust you have put in me. It is tremendous. Thank you. Over the next six years, I will work with [U.S. Sen.] Ron Wyden to address the many challenges we face as Oregonians and Americans... I pledge to fight every single day for working Americans, but I cannot do it without each and every one of you," he said.

Merkley's win was one of six gains made by Senate Democrats. With other victories in Colorado, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Virginia, Democrats increased their 51-vote majority in the Senate, which includes independents Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-VT), to 57.

Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) won the contest in the Centennial State against Republican Bob Schaffer, while Sen. John Sununu (R -NH) lost his seat to Democratic former New Hampshire Gov. Jeanne Shaheen. In New Mexico, Rep. Tom Udall (D-NM) won against Republican rival Steve Pearce to take the seat of retiring Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM).

Republicans also lost a seat they've held for more than three decades when Democratic state Sen. Kay Hagan won against Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) in North Carolina. In the Old Dominion, Democratic former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner beat another former governor, Republican Jim Gilmore, to win the seat of retiring five-term incumbent, Sen. John Warner (R-VA).