Elections

Known for its first-in-the-nation presidential primary, New Hampshire now also will be the first state with an all-female congressional delegation.

Democrats Carol Shea-Porter and Ann McLane Kuster defeated Republican incumbents Tuesday to claim the state's two House seats. They'll join Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte.

Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics, says New Hampshire's achievement is no surprise, given its history.

Tuesdays election results have renewed speculation about the future of Massachusetts Senator John Kerry.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports

Kerry, who is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee  is seen a possible successor to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in President Obama’s second term..  Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick says at this point it is just wild speculation.

Voters in Massachusetts reaffirmed the state’s liberal tradition Tuesday and made history by electing the state’s first female US Senator.   WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill was at the victory celebration in Boston for senator-elect Elizabeth Warren. 

Warren, a first time candidate, who was relatively unknown a year ago, defeated popular Republican incumbent Senator Scott Brown.

It was a long night for those waiting for results in New York’s 21st Congressional race.  

It was a tense night at Democratic headquarters in Plattsburgh Tuesday night as returns for the 21st Congressional district trickled in and showed an extremely tight race all evening. Supporters had been told Congressman Owens would not appear until there was a clear winner. It was nearly midnight before the results showed Incumbent Democrat Bill Owens leading Republican challenger Matt Doheny by about 4000 votes, and the relief was palpable as Bill Owens entered the room.