November 04, 2014 - 8:56 PM
WASHINGTON - Add Iowa to the Republican column in their takeover of the Senate for the first time in eight years.
Republican Joni Ernst beat Democrat Bruce Braley, giving Republicans a gain of seven seats.
They will hold at least 52 seats in the Senate that convenes in January. Alaska and Virginia remained undecided.
Republican candidates knocked off three incumbent Democratic senators and won four open seats previously held by Democrats.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, in line to be Senate majority leader, said "voters are hungry for new leadership."
One contest won't be decided until Dec. 6, when Louisiana Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu and Republican Bill Cassidy will meet in a runoff election.
Republicans picked up seats earlier Tuesday in Arkansas, Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, South Dakota and West Virginia.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014