Republicans retain grip on power in US Congress
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WASHINGTON (APP) - Republicans thwarted Democratic efforts to retake Congress in Tuesday's historic US election, using a show of conservative force to maintain control of the Senate and House of Representatives.
US Presidential Race: Republicans retain control of House of Representatives
Riding the coattails of populist Republican nominee Donald Trump, who proved no drag on fellow conservatives as he steamrolled to White House victory over Hillary Clinton, the party managed to repel the Democrats' sharp threat in the 100-member Senate.
The chamber was in Republican hands, 54 to 46 and in danger of sliding into Democratic control. But they rallied to minimize their losses, with incumbents in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Wisconsin snatching crucial victories to prevent a blue takeover.
"This is a big night for Republicans, a testament to what can be accomplished when our party comes together," Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement.
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"With a Republican Congress firmly in place and Donald Trump in the White House, we can get to work on fixing Washington and bringing prosperity back to the American people."
Just days ago, polls predicted a four-seat swing or higher in favor of Clinton's Democrats, in large part because Republicans held 24 of the 34 seats up for grabs in 2016. But it was not meant to be.
