Tsongas Declared Victor In Mass. Special Election

CBS NEWS - Niki Tsongas, the widow of the late Sen. Paul Tsongas, will be heading to Congress after winning a hotly-contested special election against Republican Jim Ogonowski, according to the Associated Press.

With 86 percent of precincts reporting, Tsongas has tallied 51 percent of the vote to Ogonowski’s 46 percent.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee issued a statement immediately after the AP called the race.

“Congratulations to Niki Tsongas on her victory tonight. She is a lifelong advocate for children and working families in Massachusetts. Niki will be a tremendous asset to the Democratic Caucus,” said DCCC chairman Chris Van Hollen.

“Massachusetts voters sent a clear message, they support candidates who fight for their values to provide children’s health care and work to end the war in Iraq.”