Rep. Tammy Baldwin made history Tuesday night when Wisconsin residents chose her over former Gov. Tommy Thompson for the U.S. Senate, making her the first openly gay senator in U.S. history at the end of the state’s most expensive Senate race yet. The two candidates raised at least $65 million during their runs for office.

Voters seemed not to care about Baldwin’s sexual orientation.

“I wasn’t even aware of that,” Owen Couch, a mechanic from Waukesha told The Washington Post after casting his ballot for Thompson.

Elliot Schultz, another voter, echoed Couch’s lack of concern. “I didn’t hear anything about that,” he said. “I mean, I guess I knew she was gay, but nobody really cares.”

— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.

Reuters:

Baldwin, who represents Dane County, a Democratic stronghold of the state, is expected to be replaced in the House by Democrat Mark Pocan, another openly gay politician.

Baldwin, one of the leading liberals in Congress, moved to the center during the campaign, promising to support investments in infrastructure, education and research to create jobs. She also painted Thompson as favoring tax cuts for the wealthy.

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#2012 election#gay rights#tammy baldwin#wisconsin