Bush Wins Re-Election; GOP Gains Seats in Congress

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resident Bush won four more years in the White House, while Republicans gained several seats in Congress.

On Wednesday afternoon, Democrat John Kerry conceded the presidential election, saying on national television that he "cannot win this election."

Meanwhile, the GOP gained four Senate seats and led for a fifth. Bush was winning 51% of the popular vote to 48% for Kerry, who returns to the Senate.

In the Senate, Republicans were assured 55 Senate seats, strengthening their 51-48 margin, with one Democratic-leaning independent. Democratic leader Tom Daschle lost his re-election bid in South Dakota to Rep. John Thune.

However, Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R) has said he would consider switching to the Democratic party if President Bush was re-elected, the Associated Press reported.

And with three races unsettled in the 435-member House, Republicans held 231 seats to 200 for the Democrats and one Democratic-aligned independent. The GOP holds 227 seats in the current Congress, with two seats vacant.

A minimum of 218 seats are needed for House control.

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