Republicans keep hold of Congress

Published Wed, Nov 9, 2016 · 08:09 AM
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[WASHINGTON] Republicans on Tuesday clinched control of Congress. The party dominated the US House in stronger fashion than expected, giving the party the power to boost President-elect Donald Trump's platform.

Democrats' hopes to cut significantly into the Republicans' 60-member advantage by flipping as many as 20 seats were falling well short, with only a few competitive races yet to be decided. The GOP currently controls the House 246-186, with three vacancies."This could be a good night for us. Fingers crossed!" Speaker Paul Ryan said at a victory event in Wisconsin.

Republicans also clinched effective control of the Senate, dealing Democrats a stunning setback. Marco Rubio of Florida, John McCain of Arizona, Roy Blunt of Missouri, Richard Burr of North Carolina, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin all won re-election, and Representative Todd Young defeated Democrats' star recruit, former Senator Evan Bayh.

Republicans currently hold a 54-46 majority.

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