The Great Lakes region delivered results on Election Day that were very similar to the rest of the country. For example, the Great Lakes turned out 45 percent of the voting-eligible population compared to nearly 40 percent nationwide.

Democratic gubernatorial candidates gained in two states previously under GOP gubernatorial control — OH and NY.

Prior to Nov. 7, 2006, Republicans held majorities in both chambers of five state legislatures: IN, MI, OH, PA, WI and Democrats controlled both chambers in one: IL. The statehouses were split between the parties in MN and NY. The 2006 election saw party control switch from Republican to Democrat in the House chamber of three states: IN, MI, MN and in the Senate chamber of one state: WI.

The Senate races contributed two seats to the six-seat majority pickup for the Democrats nationwide. In Minnesota, Amy Klobuchar (D) will be replacing Mark Dayton (D) who is retiring. Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH) lost his re-election bid to Sherrod Brown (D). The Senate delegation from Great Lakes states will now have a large majority of 12 Democrats to four Republicans which contrasts significantly with the near balance of 51 (including two independents) to 49 for the entire Senate.

For more information contact Jon MacDonagh-Dumler at jonmacd@glc.org

The Great Lakes Commission, chaired by Lt. Gov. John Cherry (Mich.), is an interstate compact agency established under state and U.S. federal law and dedicated to promoting a strong economy, healthy environment and high quality of life for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region and its residents. The Commission consists of governors' appointees, state legislators, and agency officials from its eight member states. Associate membership for Ontario and Québec was established through the signing of a "Declaration of Partnership." The Commission maintains a formal Observer program involving U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, tribal authorities, binational agencies and other regional interests. The Commission offices are located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.