Detroit — Amid a roar of applause and rally participants chanting "Debbie" on Tuesday night, Democrat Debbie Stabenow celebrated her landslide re-election to the U.S. Senate.
"I want to thank the people of Michigan for allowing me to go back and fight for the people of Michigan," Stabenow told a crowd of about 400 supporters in a ballroom at the Renaissance Center, on the same stage Gov. Jennifer Granholm gave her own victory speech later in the night.
With 58 percent of precincts reporting, Stabenow had 58 percent, or 541,945 votes. Republican challenger Michael Bouchard had 40 percent, or 375,870 votes.
Stabenow became the first woman to lead the Michigan House of Representatives until her term ended in 1990.
Throughout her campaign, she has made the Bush administration's trade policy an issue, saying it has hurt the economy in the manufacturing state, and she had voted against the war.
She also has made continuous efforts to stop the shipments of Canadian trash into Michigan.
Before Stabenow delivered her victory speech, Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., said she "has continually been a remarkable politician, especially being the first woman senator from Michigan."
"You are re-electing a woman with a combination of heart and mind, which is a magical combination," Levin said.
"The people of America and the people of Michigan have made a statement heard around the world — the Democrats are coming.
"A lot of Democratic stars are shining here and in the rest of the country, but none other than my partner, Debbie."
Supporters held signs for Stabenow and Granholm, creating a united front for the Democrats.
They huddled around television screens to watch the latest poll numbers and cheered when polls were in their favor.
Around 11:15 p.m. in Pontiac, Bouchard thanked his supporters, saying he has a great job as Oakland County Sheriff and that it was "too soon" to say whether he would run for senator, or any other office, in the future.
"Obviously, the numbers are not looking great, but what really touches me is the support of my family, the people in this room and the people across the state," the MSU alumnus said.
Bouchard said he had called Stabenow to congratulate her but all he could get was her campaign manager's voicemail.
Steven Page, a Bloomfield Hills resident, who came out to Pontiac in support of Bouchard, remained optimistic.
"He's done a terrific job as Oakland County sheriff, and I know he would've done a tremendous job as a state senator."
