According to CNN News, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell appears to have won a fifth Senate term, sparing his party a devastating loss on a tough Election Day. On Election Night (11/04/08) at 08:59 PM, CNN projected that Senator John McCain has won the State of Kentucky and Senator Mitch McConnell has defeated Democratic challenger Bruce Lunsford.
McConnell’s win in Kentucky over Democratic challenger Bruce Lunsford makes it harder for Democrats to reach 60 seats in the Senate, which would give them enormous power to push through legislation.
With nearly 50 percent of precincts reporting, McConnell is holding a 51-to-49 percent lead over Lunsford, prompting Fox News to call the race for the Republican. If McCain loses Tuesday night, McConnell will likely emerge as the most powerful Republican in Washington as the Senate minority leader. Democrats have already picked up three Senate seats Tuesday, expanding their majority to 54-46, with a host of races still to be decided.