Democrat unseats incumbent in Delaware Senate race

Tom Carper

(CNN) - Gov. Thomas Carper, a Democrat, unseated incumbent William Roth in Delaware's Senate contest.

This was a close race between two popular and experienced politicians.

Delaware tends to favor incumbents in statewide races, but this time voters faced a choice between an outgoing governor and five-term senator.

Carper proclaimed himself as the voice of Delaware in the new millennium and laid out a four-point plan for prosperity.

Top Democrats such as former Texas Gov. Ann Richards and Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle campaigned for Carper.

On the campaign trail, Roth talked about his accomplishments, effectiveness and seniority, pointing out that his work focused on reducing taxes and increasing new investment options.

He proposed a new Medicare benefit to help seniors pay for prescription drugs, but his own party quickly shot down the plan.

But Roth's 79 years of age was an underlying issue in the campaign, especially after he fell twice during campaign appearances.