Officials Congratulate Obama

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn - “America mourns the loss of a legendary leader and public servant, Senator Edward M. Kennedy. His body of work spans a near half-century, but will live forever. He was the protector of the least of these and the champion of equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all Americans. Whether it’s civil rights, education, public health or a livable minimum wage, his work has improved American lives in a myriad of ways."

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Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) - The actions we took together as a nation today bring us one step closer to a more perfect union. We have returned to the world community. We can now tell our children and our grandchildren yes we can. We can all believe that our country’s best days are ahead. I look forward to working with the Obama administration to take this country in a new direction.

Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick, (D-Mich.) Chairwomen of t - Senator Obama rallied broad coalitions by underscoring the importance of inclusion, while debunking divisive and destructive devices. The Obama campaign successfully expanded the electorate, set fundraising records, encouraged early voting and strategically engaged over 40 million youth voters from all across the country.

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Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick, (D-Mich.) Chairwomen of t - Senator Obama rallied broad coalitions by underscoring the importance of inclusion, while debunking divisive and destructive devices. The Obama campaign successfully expanded the electorate, set fundraising records, encouraged early voting and strategically engaged over 40 million youth voters from all across the country.

Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-Fla.) - “From strengthening the quality of education for our students, to improving the quality of health care for our seniors, to ensuring equality and civil rights for all Americans, Senator Kennedy was a leader unparalleled in our nation.”

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Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) - Reality is now upon us not because of Barack Obama; this campaign was, in the words of the president-elect, bigger than any one candidate—this election was about all of us. And we the people won in this race.

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) - “I will miss Ted’s partnership, particularly on the most important District issues. Ted was always there with us and for us. No matter how deep the controversy - from public funds for public schools to our struggle for D.C. Statehood, and when statehood was not then possible, for the House and Senate vote, and today for the D.C. House Voting Rights Act of 2009 we are so close to achieving.”

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Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) - After 209 years, District residents will have not only a president who has already changed America, and the president that our residents most wanted. They will have a Democratic president, who, as senator, co-sponsored the District of Columbia Voting Rights Act, and has told me he will sign our bill.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) - As a senior Member of Congress and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I will be diligently working with President-elect Obama to ensure that true change comes in Washington. This election was a movement of the people, for the people, and by the people.

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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) - As a senior Member of Congress and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I will be diligently working with President-elect Obama to ensure that true change comes in Washington. This election was a movement of the people, for the people, and by the people.

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Sen. Hillary R. Clinton (D-N.Y.) - Together, under the leadership of President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and a Democratic Congress, we will chart a better course to build a new economy and rebuild our leadership in the world. And I look forward to doing all that I can to support President Obama and Vice President Biden in the difficult work that lies ahead. American voters gave voice to their hopes and their values, voted for change...

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Sen. Hillary R. Clinton (D-N.Y.) - Together, under the leadership of President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and a Democratic Congress, we will chart a better course to build a new economy and rebuild our leadership in the world. And I look forward to doing all that I can to support President Obama and Vice President Biden in the difficult work that lies ahead. American voters gave voice to their hopes and their values, voted for change...

Howard Dean - The American people have given all of us - Democrats, Republicans and Independents - a simple mandate: to work together find big solutions to the big challenges facing our country. We must work together to change the direction of our wonderful country and to restore America. With the help of strong Democratic majorities in Congress, President Barack Obama is going to set this nation on a course to provide the change we need.

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Howard Dean - The American people have given all of us - Democrats, Republicans and Independents - a simple mandate: to work together find big solutions to the big challenges facing our country. We must work together to change the direction of our wonderful country and to restore America. With the help of strong Democratic majorities in Congress, President Barack Obama is going to set this nation on a course to provide the change we need.

George Bush - He called me a racist. And I didn't appreciate it then. I don't appreciate it now. It's one thing to say, 'I don't appreciate the way he's handled his business.' It's another thing to say, 'This man's a racist.' I resent it, it's not true.

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President George W. Bush - No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday. They showed a watching world the vitality of America’s democracy, and the strides we have made toward a more perfect union. They chose a President whose journey represents a triumph of the American story — a testament to hard work, optimism, and faith in the enduring promise of our nation.

Excerpt from Sen. John McCain’s concession speech - Sen. Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for his country.... I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him but offering our next president of our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together.

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Excerpt from Sen. John McCain’s concession speech - Sen. Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for his country.... I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him but offering our next president of our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together.