MADISON - Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, is looking forward to life in Washington with a Democratic president and a stronger majority in Congress.
Baldwin easily won a sixth term Tuesday, beating first-time candidate Peter Theron, a Madison Republican. Baldwin garnered 69 percent of the vote in the 2nd Congressional District. She received just under 64 percent in Green County.
Baldwin was buoyed by Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's win in the presidential election Tuesday. Democrats also boosted their majorities in the House and Senate.
"What Americans said at the polls today is they want problem solvers, not people pointing fingers of partisan blame," Baldwin said in an audio recording she made for reporters.
She said the Democrats' victories at the polls Tuesday will renew discussions about energy and health care, issues that committees on which Baldwin serves can address.
"Unfortunately, some of our boldest initiatives have been thwarted by the current administration," Baldwin said.
"Next year, I believe we are going to have another debate in this nation on national health care," Baldwin said, adding that she thinks this time Democrats will succeed in getting some form of universal health care passed.
Theron aide Lucas Pillman said Theron learned from the contest that starting his campaign right after the September primaries was much too late.
"It takes longer to get your message out," Pillman said.
Money also was an issue, Pillman said. "We were outspent 100-to-one."
Pillman was speaking from the Dane County Republicans' gathering. He said speakers there focused on the future.
"We don't believe the American people have given up on conservative values," Pillman said. "Sometimes difficult economic times have repercussions."
Pillman said Theron probably would decide sometime in the next few days about running in 2010.
Baldwin was among eight Congressional incumbents who won Tuesday, including 1st District incumbent Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville and 3rd District incumbent Ron Kind, R-La Crosse. Other winners were Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee, District 4), James Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee, District 5), Tom Petri (R-Fond du Lac, District 6), Dave Obey (Democrat, District 7) and Steve Kagen (Democrat, District 8).
Baldwin easily won a sixth term Tuesday, beating first-time candidate Peter Theron, a Madison Republican. Baldwin garnered 69 percent of the vote in the 2nd Congressional District. She received just under 64 percent in Green County.
Baldwin was buoyed by Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's win in the presidential election Tuesday. Democrats also boosted their majorities in the House and Senate.
"What Americans said at the polls today is they want problem solvers, not people pointing fingers of partisan blame," Baldwin said in an audio recording she made for reporters.
She said the Democrats' victories at the polls Tuesday will renew discussions about energy and health care, issues that committees on which Baldwin serves can address.
"Unfortunately, some of our boldest initiatives have been thwarted by the current administration," Baldwin said.
"Next year, I believe we are going to have another debate in this nation on national health care," Baldwin said, adding that she thinks this time Democrats will succeed in getting some form of universal health care passed.
Theron aide Lucas Pillman said Theron learned from the contest that starting his campaign right after the September primaries was much too late.
"It takes longer to get your message out," Pillman said.
Money also was an issue, Pillman said. "We were outspent 100-to-one."
Pillman was speaking from the Dane County Republicans' gathering. He said speakers there focused on the future.
"We don't believe the American people have given up on conservative values," Pillman said. "Sometimes difficult economic times have repercussions."
Pillman said Theron probably would decide sometime in the next few days about running in 2010.
Baldwin was among eight Congressional incumbents who won Tuesday, including 1st District incumbent Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville and 3rd District incumbent Ron Kind, R-La Crosse. Other winners were Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee, District 4), James Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee, District 5), Tom Petri (R-Fond du Lac, District 6), Dave Obey (Democrat, District 7) and Steve Kagen (Democrat, District 8).