In a close race to replace retiring Sen. Paul Sarbanes, it was unclear late Tuesday night whether 10-term Congressman Ben Cardin had held the seat for the Democrats or whether Republican Lt. Gov. Michael Steele had won the race with a campaign theme of changing Washington.

The Associated Press and other news organizations called the race for Cardin before 10 p.m. based on exit polls and previous voting patterns, but actual vote counts after 11 p.m. showed Steele running ahead 51 percent to Cardin?s 47 percent with 44 percent of the precincts counted. Cardin gave what was essentially a victory speech to supporters in Baltimore, saying “We?re going to fight for what is right for the people.”