Ore. Win Puts Democrats At 57 Senate Seats

by David Welna, NPR

Two days after the election, Jeff Merkley, the speaker of Oregon's state House, defeated incumbent U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, a moderate Republican. The victory gives the Democrats 57 seats in the Senate, still short of the filibuster-proof 60 seats.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, November 6, 2008