Mediaboss Marketing

2014 US midterm elections: Live Report

Washington (AFP) - 05:14 GMT - More pot - US media project that Oregon will OK marijuana use. The move makes it the third state in which it will be legal to use the drug recreationally, catching up with Colorado and neighboring Washington.

05:06 GMT - Maryland surprise - In what would be a real upset, the overwhelmingly Democratic state of Maryland seems to be about to elect a Republican governor. Businessman Larry Hogan has a sizable lead over Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, who has been slammed for tax increases under the incumbent.

05:00 GMT - CALLING IT A NIGHT - We are closing our Live Report on the US elections.

Races are still undecided around the country, and final results from Alaska to Connecticut may not be known for days. But the big question has been answered. A Republican wave washed over the Senate, giving the GOP control of the upper chamber for the first time since President Barack Obama was elected.

The White House issued no reaction, but we can expect Obama to speak to reporters at some point on Wednesday and probably take questions. Obama retains some power through executive orders and the veto pen, but substantive governance will require cooperation. With majorities is both houses, the Republicans will determine the country's legislative agenda at least until the next presidential vote.

And so, with ballots from Tuesday's vote still being counted, talk over breakfast in Washington will turn to 2016.

04:40 GMT - Squeal - Joni Ernst's big win in Iowa makes her the first woman to represent the agricultural state in the Senate. The 44-year-old Army and National Guard veteran served in Kuwait in 2003 and 2004. One of her campaign ads, titled "Squeal," went viral for both friends and foes. She asserted her experience castrating hogs growing up gave her the experience needed to cut "pork" spending in Washington.

04:38 GMT - Harry Reid - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid acknowledged his was not long for the job. He released a statement making the usual vow of bipartisanship.

"I'd like to congratulate Senator McConnell, who will be the new Senate Majority Leader. The message from voters is clear: they want us to work together. I look forward to working with Senator McConnell to get things done for the middle class."

Read more from the original source:
2014 US midterm elections: Live Report