associated press: Longtime U.S. Rep. John Dingell declares victory in 15th district race against challenger Rob Steele

Posted on Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 12:50 a.m.

DETROIT (AP) — Dearborn Democrat John Dingell has won a 28th full term, extending his record of service in the U.S. House.

“Thank you for your vote,” Dingell, D-Dearborn, said in a statement. “You can rest assured that I will never stop fighting for you."

U.S. Rep.John Dingell, D-Mich., shakes hands as supporters cheer at his victory at an election night party at the UAW Region 1A hall in Taylor.

Bryan Mitchell | The Associated Press

Although early results showed a close race, Dingell pulled ahead the three counties touched by the 15th District — Wayne, Monroe and Washtenaw.

Dingell tallied 174,144 votes, compared to challenger Rob Steele's 83,488.

In Washtenaw County, with all but one of the 176 precincts reporting, Dingell won 66.51 percent of the votes cast, compared to 29.59 percent for Steele.

It wasn't easy, though, for the 84-year-old Dingell, who's been in Washington since the days of Dwight Eisenhower's presidency.

Tea party-backed Republican Steele pushed Dingell throughout the election, and the man known as "Big John" responded with an aggressive campaign that included a number of TV ads critical of his 52-year-old challenger.

With 66 percent of 15th District precincts reporting, Dingell had nearly 54 percent of the vote to 43 percent for Steele, a cardiologist from Washtenaw County's Superior Township.

The district includes the far southeastern portion of the state, including Monroe and Ann Arbor.

“We need to get this economy moving again and put people back to work,” Dingell said in his statement after declaring victory. “We need to give our children the skills to compete in the global economy. And we need to protect Social Security and ensure quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Together, we can and we will.”