Democrat Tammy Baldwin wins US Senate seat in Wis.

Published On: Nov 07 2012 12:13:32 PM CST   Updated On: Nov 07 2012 08:11:53 AM CST
MADISON, Wis. -

Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin defeated Republican challenger Tommy Thompson to become Wisconsin’s first woman senator and the first openly gay member of the U.S. Senate.

Baldwin will fill the Senate seat vacated by retiring senator Herb Kohl. She addressed supporters at the Monona Terrace in Madison around 11:20 p.m. Tuesday.

“I’m honored, humbled, and grateful and I’m ready to get to work,” Baldwin told supporters. “I’m ready to stand with Pres. Barack Obama and ready to fight for Wisconsin’s middle class.”

Baldwin said Thompson called her before she spoke to supporters to wish her well.

  • Copyright 2012 by WKBT News8000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.