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Late night returns and close races in several states kept watchful eyes up late Tuesday night. In a race complicated by crowded polls, lengthy ballots and tight numbers the only missing element was a clear winner.

Late night exit poll reports indicated a shift in voter concerns that emphasized moral values, followed by the economy and security. Both CNN and FOX reported this was a factor in the outcome of the presidential race. Noticeably absent were premature race declarations, so popular in 2000. Projections replaced predictions.

Election turnout was heavy, which was anticipated after the long lines seen for early voting locally in the weeks prior to Election Day. CNN.com reports an estimated 120 million Americans voted in this election, making this 60 percent turnout the highest since the 1968 election.

The race was still close in a few states Wednesday afternoon when Senator John Kerry announced he was conceding the election to President George W. Bush.

"I'm sorry that we got here a little bit late and a little bit short," Kerry said.

Some states had not yet been called, but Kerry said the country needed unity and common ground now. He said he enjoyed the campaign, and he wished he could have “brought home the race.”

"In an American election, there are no losers, because whether or not our candidates are successful, the next morning we all wake up as Americans," Kerry said.

President Bush, accompanied by his wife and twin daughters, spoke to supporters after Kerry’s appearance. He said after a long and great night Kerry had called with congratulations.

"I'm proud to lead such an amazing country, and I'm proud to lead it forward,” Bush said. “Because we have done the hard work, we are entering a season of hope."

Wednesday evening numbers indicated a 279 to 252 in favor of President Bush.

Other results of Tuesday’s election include a net Republican gain of at least three seats in the Senate and at least four seats in the House of Representatives.

In the Senate, Tom Daschle, D-S.D., minority leader lost his bid for re-election. He is the first senate leader in 52 years to do so.

Republican Richard Burr picked up the North Carolina senate seat vacated by vice presidential candidate John Edwards.

At least two campaigns featured famous names, and both were defeated. Democratic candidate Nick Clooney, father of actor George Clooney, lost his bid for a house seat representing Kentucky. In Colorado, Pete Coors, beer mogul and Republican senate candidate lost the seat to Ken Salazar, the state’s Democratic attorney general.

Locally, Mel Martinez won a Florida senate seat in a close race, after his opponent Democrat Betty Castor conceded Wednesday, making him the first Cuban American to serve on the Senate.

The eight constitutional amendment issues passed on the Florida ballot.

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