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Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

The Nation's Other Big Races

Election Day 2004 saw historic winners, gracious losers--and lots of surprises. The Republican party won big, expanding its control of Congress (see "A Look at Congress" below). Republicans picked up four seats in the Senate and at least two seats in the House of Representatives. All 435 House seats were up for election. Representatives serve two-year terms. Senators serve six-year terms.

In Illinois, two African Americans represented the major parties for the first time in a Senate race. Barack Obama easily defeated Republican Alan Keyes. In January, Obama will become just the third African-American Senator in 100 years.

Two Hispanic Senators will also join Congress. Republican Mel Martinez will represent Florida, and Democrat Ken Salazar will represent Colorado.

One of the election's most stunning defeats was that of long-time South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle. Republican John Thune ousted the Democrat, who is the Senate's Minority Leader. Daschle became the first Senate party leader in more than 50 years to be voted out of office.

Americans also cast ballots on local and community issues and, in 11 states, for governor.

A Look at Congress
Republicans gained seats in the Senate and the House of Representatives. This chart shows the number of members of each party in Congress.

	House of Representatives*	U.S. Senate
Democrats	201	44
Republicans	231	55
Independents	1	1
Total	435	100
	* 2 undecided

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