HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
Democrat Bob Casey has won a second six-year term in the U.S. Senate by defeating Republican challenger Tom Smith in Tuesday's election.
A crowd of Casey supporters erupted in cheers at the Scranton Hilton as the victory was announced. Casey later addressed the crowd in the ballroom named after his father, the late former Gov. Robert P. Casey.
Casey took the stage with his wife and four daughters and thanked the voters of Pennsylvania for their support. He also stressed the importance of moving forward and working to bring together Democrats and Republicans on the issues facing America.
"There is a lot of work to be done, and that work starts tonight," he said.
Casey also talked about strengthening the middle class and creating jobs. He also thanked Smith, saying he appreciated the kind words exchanged during a phone call following the vote results.
Smith, an Allegheny businessman and a newcomer to statewide politics, had invested more than $17 million of his own money to outspend Casey and gain name recognition during the final months of the race.
"While Senator Casey and I disagree on a lot of things, we both share a love for this county and for this state," Smith told supporters in his concession speech, "and we both believe America's best days are ahead of her."
Casey, of Scranton, is a former state treasurer and auditor general. He beat Republican Rick Santorum in 2006 and was an early supporter of President Barack Obama.
He voted for Obama's health care law and economic stimulus bill. Smith and linked Casey to what he called President Obama's failed economic policies and promised to repeal the health care law.
Rayburn Smith, a former postal carrier from Clarion County, ran as a Libertarian candidate.
Sen. Bob Casey
Tom Smith
