US Republicans victorious in polls

Jeb Bush celebrates re-election with his father

Republicans win control of the US Senate and retain their House majority, giving a major boost to President Bush's legislative agenda.

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Top Democrat leader resigns

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Mr Gephardt may be a contender for the presidency

The Democrat's leader in the House of Representatives, Richard Gephardt, announces he will leave his post after the party's heavy losses in the mid-term elections. Mr Gephardt says he will step down when his term expires at the end of the year.

Nick Bryant reports

Huge boost for the Republicans

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Republican supporters celebrate in Hawaii

Republicans will find it easier to push through their agenda in Congress after major gains in the mid-term elections. They will find less opposition to plans for tax cuts and enhanced homeland security.

Nick Bryant reports

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Bush celebrates his victory

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The President had campaigned hard

The Republican sweep of the US polls is being seen as very much a personal victory for President Bush, who becomes only the third US president in a century to make mid-term gains.

Jon Leyne reports

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Economy was not the vote-swinger

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The Democrat leader attacked the economy

The Democrats had played up the economy as the big issue but their arguments were not enough to sway the voters. They will now lose much of their power and influence in Congress.

David Chazan reports

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