After securing a victory on the electoral battleground with more than two-thirds of the votes, Congressman Mike Pence will return to Washington to wage a new battle -- this time against Iraq.
Calling Baghdad and its dictator the "swamp of our enemies," Pence pledged to make Bush's war on terror his first priority in his second term and abolish Iraq's current regime -- whether peacefully or with force.
Only after disposing of the dictator, Pence said, will he focus on the economy "like a laser" -- via more tax cuts.
But the roar of potential war was drowned out by the roar of applause that emanated from the crowd that had gathered in Anderson to celebrate Pence's victory.
Flanked by his wife, two daughters and son, Pence thanked his campaign staff and volunteers for their work, and he promised to continue his fight for moral values.
"I am honored beyond words..." Pence said in his victory speech, given shortly after 8:30 p.m., about when CNN and the Associated Press predicted him the winner. "We feel even more emboldened to return to Washington D.C. with a deafening message of conservative values that make Indiana great.
"We'll continue our message of renewal. We'll continue to be a voice."
Unlike races in Indianapolis and South Bend, Pence's race was never considered competitive, but he still congratulated his opponent, Democrat challenger Melina Fox, for a well-fought contest.
Back in Muncie, Democratic candidates and supporters gave Fox a standing ovation as she gave her concession speech.
Fox said that, despite issue differences, she liked Pence.
"I really like Mike as a person, but his agenda is not for the working families and farmers," she said.
For Fox, the most rewarding part of the election was being able to reach out to the people, a task that made her realize how important it was to stay close to the issues. She said her family legacy and the understanding of the needs of farmers and laborers made her a more qualified candidate.
"I really know the realities of these people's lives. I was truly listening to the voters of this district," Fox said.
State Representative R. Tiny Adams, who defeated Republican challenger Tom Bennington, lead the cheering, clapping crowd in Fox's support.
"You'll be back," he yelled above the crowd.
Fox asked for applause for her staff and then applauded the efforts of the Democratic party.
"I am so proud of this district," Fox said. "I am proud of the way we have come together. I want you to know these past 22 months, I simply gave it my all."
Earlier in the evening, Fox was calm while gathering with supporters.
"I've known this day would come for 22 months," she said. "Whatever happens, happens."
Fox said she was pleased with the voter turnout, which was higher than what she projected.
In Delaware County, Pence received 18,580 votes, almost 5,000 more than Fox.
As more and more competitive races swung to Republicans, including a contested race in South Bend between Republican Chris Chocola and Democrat Jill Long-Thompson, Pence was ensured a GOP-controlled House next January.
But if Republicans are unable to procure the advantage in the Senate, a divided Congress this term will create more stalemates than before and potentially ruin any Social Security reform, Pence said.
"It will be very frustrating if the president's popularity does not translate into support on Capitol Hill," he said.
Senate results were not known as of press time.
Even with a divided Congress, Pence said he was hopeful legislators would pass a prescription-drug bill for seniors. He also said several appropriations bills, needed to fund the federal government, could be approved next week, now that elections are finished.
"They'll be transportation dollars under the tree this Christmas time," he said.
Pence became less sure, however, about an appropriations bill that would help fund student financial aid and the Pell Grant.
Two versions are currently lingering in Congress. The Senate's version allocates a little more than $13 billion for aid, whereas the House distributes about $400 million less. The House version also gives $100 less per students for Pell Grants.
Pence said it is quite possible a version of the bill could be passed, but "we'll play that by ear."
Fox is also playing her future political career by ear. Fox said she is open to the idea of running again. She did not commit to running again Tuesday night, but she acknowledged that she may still have the chance to win a seat in the next election.
"It took my opponent three times to get elected, and it took Phil Sharp three times," Fox said.
Fox said she was still committed to pursuing campaign finance reform.
"Money is a great influence in campaigns," she said.
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