WASHINGTON – Republicans drew on the support of independents and the energy of tea party activists to fashion a resounding victory in the House in midterm elections, increased their strength in the Senate and quickly served notice they intend to challenge President Barack Obama with a conservative approach to the economy.

Map: Gov Races
Map: Senate Races
Map: House Races

"We hope President Obama will now respect the will of the people, change course, and to commit to making changes they are demanding," Ohio Rep. John Boehner, the House speaker-in-waiting, told cheering partisans as GOP gains mounted Tuesday night.

Obama called Boehner to offer congratulations, and also telephoned Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and top Democrats in a series of conversations that reflected the shifting balance of power.

The Republican leaders penciled in a late-morning news conference, to be followed a short while later by Obama's own meeting with reporters at the White House.

But with the economy still struggling to shake off the effects of the worse recession in decades, the Federal Reserve was expected to unveil a new program designed to further lower interest rates on mortgages and other loans. The hope is that would eventually prompt companies to step up hiring and create new jobs. {More}


- President Doesn't Watch Midterm Election Train Wreck {FOX News}
- Dems Lose Obama's Former Senate Seat {FOX News}
- House party for triumphant GOP {NY Post}
- What A Difference Two Years Can Make {National Post}
- Voters Aren't Stupid, They're Angry With Obama {Telegraph}


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