Baldwin wins Senate race

MADISON (AP) - Tammy Baldwin made history Tuesday night becoming Wisconsin’s first female U.S. Senator and the first openly gay senator.

"But I didn't run to make history.  I ran to make a difference." said Baldwin.

Baldwin said she will make a difference by strengthening the middle class.

"I believe in holding the powerful accountable.  I believe in fair play and I believe when people are struggling you don't talk down to them, you help lift them up," said Baldwin.

The senator-elect said she’s ready to get to work right away.

"Ready to make our country stronger, more prosperous and more equal,' said Baldwin.

Baldwin thanked her predecessor Herb Kohl for his years of service and support.

She also thanked her opponent Tommy Thompson for all that he’s done for Wisconsin.

For his part, Thompson showed Baldwin graciousness.

“I congratulated her and I hope she is able to do a great job for the state of Wisconsin," said Thompson.

Thompson also thanked his supporters, despite a disappointing finish.

“I wanted to do my last years to serve Wisconsin, serve people again, serve Wisconsin and this country," said Thompson.

Baldwin also promised Thompson’s supporters she will work for them.

"Here is the promise I will make you.  I will be a senator for all of Wisconsin," said Baldwin.

"Supporters swarmed Baldwin following her speech out here.  She ended that speech saying she is ready to move everyone forward and to stand together. 

In Madison Alex Ronallo FOX 11 News."

Baldwin served Wisconsin’s Second District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1999.

Her seat in the house was taken over by democrat Mark Pocan Tuesday night.

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A familiar chant echoed through the Marriot hotel Tuesday night.

But it marked a milestone: For the first time in his political career, Tommy Thompson made a concession speech in a state-wide campaign.

Thompson, "I ran ladies and gentlemen because I love this country and I love this state."

The former Wisconsin governor, who had won six straight state-wide elections, including a hard fought primary in August, came up short in his bid for the U.S. Senate.  He addressed his supporters in suburban Milwaukee.

Thompson, "we fought the good fight. We came up short but that doesn't mean we should stop fighting for our principles, for our ideals and our beliefs."

Meanwhile, his opponent, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, is making history.

"But I didn't run to make history. I ran to make a difference," said Baldwin.

Baldwin will become the first woman from Wisconsin to be elected to the U.S. Senate, and the first openly gay senator.

"I believe in holding the powerful accountable. I believe in fair play and I belive when people are struggling you don't talk down to them, you help lift them up," said Baldwin.

Robert, "Thompson promised his supporters that he is not planning to go away. But he says he is not going to run for political office again.

In Pewaukee, Robert Hornacek FOX 11 news.>

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Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin has won Wisconsin's open U.S. Senate seat.
    
Baldwin defeated former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson on Tuesday for a seat that's been held by Democrats since 1957. With the victory, Baldwin also becomes the first openly gay candidate to win election to the Senate.
    
The seven-term congresswoman from Madison built her campaign around the argument that the 70-year-old Thompson no longer spoke for Wisconsin residents.
    
Baldwin noted that the four-term governor, who hadn't been on a ballot in 14 years, made millions of dollars in the private sector off connections he made while governor and U.S. health secretary.
    
Thompson had attacked Baldwin as too liberal for Wisconsin, focusing on her position on health care reform.
    
His defeat marks Thompson's first ever loss in a statewide election.