Senate Commerce's Peters Wins Reelection; Sullivan Maintains Lead
One more member of the Senate Commerce Committee won reelection, but another’s race remained uncalled Thursday afternoon. News organizations declared Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., the winner Wednesday night in his race against Republican challenger John James. Peters led James Thursday…
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by more than 87,000 votes, 49.9%-48.3%, with 99% of votes counted. Peters is also ranking member on the Senate Homeland Security Committee. James refused to concede. Peters “is currently ahead,” but “I have deep concerns that millions of Michiganders may have been disenfranchised by a dishonest few who cheat,” James said in a statement. He will accept the final result, “but at this time there is enough credible evidence to warrant an investigation to ensure that elections were conducted in a transparent, legal and fair manner.” It’s “an indescribable honor to be able to spend six more years” in the Senate, Peters said in a statement. At a later news conference, he called James’ fraud claims “sad and pathetic.” Half the vote remained unreported in the race between Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Al Gross, an independent candidate running with Democrats’ backing. Sullivan led Gross by more than 67,000 votes, 62%-32%. Two other Senate Commerce members earlier won reelection (see 2011040052): Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Ed Markey, D-Mass. One member, Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., lost. Democrats and Republicans were each projected Thursday to hold 48 seats in the Senate. Most news organizations have declared that Democrats are keeping their House majority, though Republicans are expected to gain seats. Democrats are expected to hold at least 208 seats in the chamber and led in 13 others Thursday. Republicans are expected to hold at least 190 seats and led in 23 others.