It's over, and we won:
"Earlier today, I called and congratulated Scott Murphy on a hard-fought contest and wished him well as the next Congressman of the 20th Congressional district. I also expressed my willingness to work with him to ensure that the families of Upstate New York are not left behind as our nation strives for economic recovery.
"This was a close campaign every step of the way. Ultimately, it became clear that the numbers were not going our way and that the time had come to step aside and ensure that the next Congressman be seated as quickly as possible. In the interest of the citizens of the 20th Congressional district and our nation, I wish Scott the very best as he works with our new President and Congress to address the tremendous challenges facing our country.
It wasn't actually all that close every step of the way - Democrat Scott Murphy came from 21 points down, at 29% in the polls, to winning the election.
Congratulations to Congressman-elect Murphy, and the legions of good people who worked tirelessly to effect a 21-point swing in the polls within a month and a half.
At the outset of the race, the prevailing wisdom was that it would be a relatively easy win for Tedisco, and that Democrats had no right to win this one. But Scott Murphy did.
DCCC chairman Chris Van Hollen on the race:
"Congratulations to Congressman-elect Scott Murphy on his remarkable, come-from-behind victory. In this election, voters responded to Scott Murphy’s record as a successful businessman who helped to create more than 1,000 jobs and his strong support for President Obama’s economic recovery package.
"In trying to win the NY-20 special election, the RNC, NRCC, and their Republican allies went all in on the losing gamble that voters would prefer their ‘just say no’ approach to President Obama’s bold plans to get the economy back on track.
"Scott Murphy’s victory in this district where Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than 70,000 represents a rejection of the obstructionist agenda and scare tactics that have become the hallmark of House Republicans.
Not much else to say. It took an incredible amount of hard work, talent, and luck, but the victory is worth all of it.
Also, this remarkable upset victory for Murphy should have some interesting repercussions with regard to the political career of RNC Chairman Michael Steele.
UPDATE: More discussion in StuHunter's recommended diary.
UPDATE #2: Check this out from the DNC: