Schauer declares victory for Congress

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, all but conceded Michigan’s 7th Congressional District race to Democratic challenger Mark Schauer, who declared victory about 2 a.m. today.

“It’s a tough district. A Democrat has never held this seat,” Schauer said. “It’s difficult to unseat an incumbent and we knew we’d have to run a near-perfect campaign to do it.”

Schauer said there is a clear contrast between candidates and he expected the race to be close.

“I think it was really a story of turning Michigan’s economy around one job at a time,” he said. “I think we really had a great ground game.”

Speaking to staff and reporters in Jackson shortly before 2 a.m. today, Walberg said
“From the counts that we’re seeing right now, it looks very clearly that when the sun breaks tomorrow, it will not go in our favor. We will hold off til then before making any final statement.”

“But I want you to know that we’re living with reality right now, and it looks as if there will be a new U.S. congressman from this district,” Walberg said in Jackson. “That being the case, I will certainly wish Mark Schauer well when given the opportunity to speak to him. But for right now, I just thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

With nearly 93 percent of precincts reporting as of 2 a.m., Schauer led Walberg 142,542 votes to 138,690.

Lori Stebleton, 46, of Battle Creek said she voted for Walberg based on her positions on moral issues, such as abortion and gun rights.

“That’s the biggest reason I voted this year,” she said. “I’ve never missed a vote yet.”
Joann Walker, 23, of Battle Creek said her vote for Democratic President-elect Barack Obama influenced her vote in other races, too.

“It’s a historic election, and Obama’s going to make a change,” she said. “I think other Democrats will bring change, too.”

Rudy Mausser, 76, of Grand Ledge said he voted for Walberg.

“Of the two entities, I think he told more truth than the other fellow,” he said.

Betsy Caesar, 49, of Grand Ledge said she voted for Schauer.

“I historically have been a Democrat and believe in what they stand for. And I believe Walberg has done a little too much to take jobs overseas,” she said. “We’ve lost a lot of jobs in Michigan and I don’t think he’s helped that at all. And I’m hoping that Schauer will turn things around.”

With the race too close to call, Walberg stayed cloistered with his staff. He declined media requests for interviews and did not answer calls to his cell phone.

Schauer hoped to benefit from a tough year for Republicans and built his campaign around linking Walberg to President George W. Bush, who remained extremely unpopular in the state.

Schauer’s appeal to moderate voters targeted concerns with the loss of manufacturing jobs and a weakened economy.

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