Reynolds Fails to Win Second Term, Loss Helps Dems Control Senate

Conservative Republican Sen. Tom Reynolds did not make an official concession speech tonight, but bemoaned through a spokesman that he was out raised and out organized by his Dem challenger Jim Sullivan.

"The mistake I probably made in this campaign was not begging for more money," Reynolds said. "I was outspent 12, 15 to one. It's tough to stay in office when there's that type of money against me."

He continued, "My mistake also was believing that a group of volunteers and printing my own literature against a disproportionate amount of money... maybe I'm a little surprised that it stayed so close."

Sullivan declared victory in the 5th Senate District at around midnight in a race that flipped control of the State Senate to the Democrats.

"You have seen misdirection and divisiveness and have chosen to unite," Sullivan told more than 100 supporters at Friday's restaurant in Miller Park. "Tonight is a victory for the voices of reason and moderation and pragmatism."

-- By Andy Szal and David Wise