Republican incumbent Arlen Specter retained his seat in the Senate, defeating Democrat Joe Hoeffel last night by a margin of 10 percent.
The 23-year veteran of the Senate captured 53 percent of the vote, officially accepting Hoeffel's concession around midnight.
"This victory tonight is important as a symbol for the moderate wing of the Republican Party," Specter told supporters crowded in the Philadelphia Four Seasons Hotel ballroom. The Rocky theme song blended with chants of "six more years," as Specter took to the stage to deliver his victory speech.
Proclaiming his support for stem-cell research, the war against terror and the creation of a national intelligence chairman, Specter partially outlined his agenda for his upcoming term.
"What remains ahead of us is the responsibility to govern," he said, adding that he also plans to focus on "the rebuilding of bridges between Democrats and Republicans."
Though he did not receive as much of the vote as some initially predicted, the relatively decisive margin marked the conclusion of a self-described "tough election fight" that began earlier this year with a contentious primary.
After his speech, Specter decided to take a break from the issues and move on to the bar.
"I'm going to be around to have a martini or two," he told the audience, drawing laughter.
Supporters who gathered to cheer Specter touted the senator's experience and integrity.
Milton Anderson of Philadelphia compared the choice between Hoeffel and Specter to "picking between a Kia and a Mercedes."
Anderson and others said that Specter's ability to secure funding for Pennsylvania is a major element of his attractiveness as a candidate.
"He's looking after Philadelphia and Pennsylvania," Bala Cynwyd resident Bobbie Shaffner said, citing the construction of the National Constitution Center as a direct result of Specter's governance.
As registered Democrats, Shaffner and her husband Henry represent a significant constituency for the longtime senator.
"It's a good mix in here," Specter supporter John Purtain said, in reference to Specter's bipartisan base.
"When you have someone with the record that he has, the party lines blur."
Despite the varying party allegiances that seemed to be represented last night, hundreds of yellow "Senator Specter" stickers united the crowd.
Specter "understands better than most what it takes to get things done in the U.S. Senate," Chris Franklin said.
Supporters expect Specter to continue to pursue his moderate agenda during his next term.
"I certainly see a continuation of his support of disability issues, women's issues, criminal justice issues and support for Israel," said Diane Nelson Bryen, a professor at Temple University.
Warren Adair, a Penn alumnus and Specter supporter, also said that he expected Specter's next term to be consistent with his previous years in office.
"His foreign policy approach isn't going to change, his approach on stem cells isn't going to change," he said. Adair also predicted that Specter's support for industry in Pennsylvania will continue to positively affect the state.
Adair's wife Claire -- also a longtime Specter supporter -- said she has enjoyed attending Specter's election parties over the past few years.
"I wanted to see a little bit of the action," she said.
Specter himself could not seem to stay away from the party. He came down from his hotel suite at 9:40 p.m. to address the people he referred to as "his greatest cheerleaders."
"It always seemed a little stilted to me to be upstairs watching the non-returns while all my friends are downstairs watching the non-returns," he said.
