Missouri Republicans took back their junior seat in the United States Senate, as Jim Talent edged out incumbent Jean Carnahan by 33,000 votes.

Carnahan conceded Wednesday morning around 1 a.m. in front of cheering supporters at the Chase Park Plaza Ballroom.

“You fought courageously against overwhelming odds,” Carnahan said. “Others will come to lift the fallen torch.”

Later in the hour, Talent spoke before supporters at the Frontenac Hilton in St. Louis County. “I know what it’s like when you have to make a call like that,” Talent said. “It takes courage.”

Throughout his speech, Talent, who spent eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives, called for bipartisanship and said he will talk with each of his new colleagues in the Senate.

The national brass of the Republican and Democratic Party watched the race closely. President George W. Bush was in St. Charles, Mo., on Monday to speak with voters and promote Talent. As a result, turnout was much higher than expected in St. Charles County.

Carnahan also received national assistance, which helped her war chest grow to more than $11 million.

Talent will take office as soon as Governor Bob Holden certifies the election results. However, this process may take longer than expected. Secretary of State Matt Blunt predicted that it might take three weeks to process and certify the results.

Even though the race was only won by a little more than one percent, that is not enough to warrant a recount, like the one to be conducted in South Dakota. Because Talent won by more than 1 percent, state law does not require a mandatory recount.

Talent’s early admission to the Senate will give him more seniority than the rest of the soon-to-be inaugurated class. The result will not only mean a better choice in offices, but will give him better standing in committee selection.

Despite his election, he will have to run again in four years because Carnahan has already served two years of the late Mel Carnahan’s term.

Throughout the race, Talent overcame a smaller budget and the memory of Mel Carnahan, which was fresh after the death of Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone.

Other races in and around St. Louis included races for the House of Representatives, a series of amendments and propositions, and a gubernatorial race in Illinois.

In the St. Louis area, incumbents trumped challengers, with Rep. Lacy Clay (1st District), Todd Akin (2nd District) and Dick Gephardt (3rd District) coming away victorious.

However, Gephardt’s future as House Minority Leader is over. Yesterday he announced that he will not seek reelection as Democratic leader because several senior Democrats are questioning his leadership after Tuesday’s election. Nancy Peloci of California and Martin Frost of Texas are expected to run for the open seat.

Across the river, Rod Blagojevich was elected Governor of Illinois, beating Jim Ryan. The election marks the first time in more than 25 years that a Democrat holds the governorship.

Also in Illinois, Republican John Shimkus defeated Democrat David Phelps for control of Illinois’ 19th congressional district. Incumbent Democratic Senator Richard Durbin defeated GOP challenger Jim Durkin.

Several amendments and proposals were on the ballot yesterday as well. In Missouri, voters accepted home rule, but denied a 400-plus percent tax increase on cigarettes and tobacco. A proposition that would allow firefighters to organize for collective bargaining was voted down as well.

With the passage of home rule, the City of St. Louis takes its first step toward revamping the City Charter. Proponents of the amendment claim home rule gives citizens the power to make the city more efficient and professional.

Election Results

U.S. Senate, Missouri

Jim Talent, GOP 49.8%

Jean Carnahan, DEM 48.6%

Governor, Illinois

Rod Blagojevich , Dem 52.0%

Jim Ryan, GOP 45.3%

Constitutional Amendment 1

(Home Rule)

Yes 69.4%

No 30.6%

Proposition A

(Smoking Tax)

No 50.9%

Yes 49.1%