Donnelly gives Democrats Indiana Senate victory - Fox 28: South Bend, Elkhart IN News, Weather, Sports

Indiana is sending Donnelly back to Washington D.C. but this time as a Senator.

Congressman Joe Donnelly, now Senator elect, claimed victory to a crowd of supporters in Indianapolis, acknowledging his base in Michiana for spreading support throughout the state.

"We think the most important thing is Hoosier common sense, going to Washington D.C.," says Donnelly.

This race has been a close one throughout the campaign season, up until about two weeks ago, after some controversial comments made by Richard Mourdock about rape.

That could have been what ultimately tipped the scales in Donnelly's favor.

Exit polls suggesting that may have been the difference, with half of women voters choosing Donnelly, while only about four in 10 were for Mourdock.

An emotional Mourdock conceding to supporters," "I leave this podium again, wishing Congressman Donnelly well in his new task. Wishing the very best for all Hoosiers, and with great pride in that team that worked so hard for us over these past 634 days," says Mourdock.

Donnelly says he's looking forward to getting in the Senate and healing some of those partisan wounds ultimately caused by the election.