Tommy Thompson falls short in bid for U.S. Senate seat

PEWAUKEE -- Besides the presidential race, the other big race on the ballot for Wisconsin voters Tuesday, November 6th was that for Wisconsin's open U.S. Senate seat. Republican Tommy Thompson and Democrat Tammy Baldwin were on the ballot -- vying for retiring Senator Herb Kohl's seat. Kohl, a Democrat, has held the seat since 1988.

Around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, FOX News projected Baldwin as the winner. Shortly after 11:00 p.m., Baldwin delivered a victory speech in Madison.

Baldwin said Thompson called her Tuesday night to "cordially congratulate her."

Thompson, a former governor of Wisconsin has experienced election nights since the 1960s. Some argued Tuesday night, not only was a Senate seat up for grabs, but Thompson's legacy may be in the balance. In his political career, Thompson has never lost a statewide race.

Thompson campaigned on reforming government spending. During speeches, he expressed concern about the growing U.S. debt and the impact it would have on children and grandchildren.

"He did this out of obligation, not out of opportunity. He did this for love of the country and his grandkids and that generation," Gov. Scott Walker said.

If Thompson had been victorious Tuesday, it would have been the first time in 54 years two Wisconsin Republicans hold U.S. Senate seats.

Gov. Scott Walker, Lieutenant Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and other Wisconsin Republicans were on hand for Thompson's Election Night event in Pewaukee -- supporters each hoping for a Thompson victory.

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CLICK HERE for additional coverage on the U.S. Senate race via FOX6Now.com.