Democrats take House
Updated on 08 November 2006
The US House of Representatives is under Democrat control for the first time in 12 years.
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And Democrats have moved to the brink of control in the Senate, as they lead a tight race where a win would give them a hold on all of Congress.
Democrats are predicted to gain about 30 seats in the House, riding to victory on a wave of public discontent with the Iraq war, corruption and President George W Bush.
They also picked up five of the Senate seats they needed for a majority, and they are expected to win in Virginia where the result is not yet declared.
Mr Bush said: "I'm obviously disappointed with the outcome of the election and as the head of the Republican Party I share a large part of the responsibility."
Democratic control of the House means outspoken California Democrat Nancy Pelosi becomes the first female speaker and she could slam the brakes on much of Mr Bush's agenda and increase pressure for a change of course in Iraq.
She told a Democrat rally on Capitol Hill: "Tonight is a great victory for the American people. Today the American people voted for change, and they voted for Democrats to take our country in a new direction."
All 435 House seats, 33 Senate seats and 36 governorships were at stake in the elections.
Former First Lady Hillary Clinton won a landslide victory in New York State to get a second term as Senator. Flanked by husband Bill, she spoke of a "new beginning for our beloved country".
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US mid-terms 2006
