Landrieu wins re-election in La. US Senate race

• By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
• Published: Nov 4, 2008 - UPDATED: 10:50 p.m.

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NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Democratic U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu won re-election to a third term in a close contest against Republican opponent John Kennedy.

Despite Republican expectations that Landrieu would be vulnerable, the incumbent capitalized on voter enthusiasm for Democrat Barack Obama and also picked up backing from moderate voters who supported Republican John McCain.

The race centered mainly on charges in TV attack ads.

Landrieu made Kennedy's party switch a major issue, labeling him a political opportunist.

Kennedy, the Louisiana state treasurer, had previously lost a bid for the Senate as a Democrat, but switched parties last year before announcing plans to run again for the Senate.