Three-Term Curse Sinks D'Amato

Democrat Charles Schumer, a congressman from Brooklyn, defeated GOP Sen. Alfonse D'Amato on Tuesday, ending the 18-year tenure of one of Congress' most colorful figures.

In recent New York politics, there has been something of a three-term curse for big-name candidates. Former New York Mayor Edward Koch and former Gov. Mario Cuomo both lost their bids for fourth terms, as did D'Amato.

The Brooklyn-born D'Amato spoke to a cheering crowd after his defeat.

"I am deeply grateful to each and every New Yorker who has given me the opportunity to do that which I love the most," he said.

The D'Amato-Schumer race was the nation's most expensive, combative and competitive Senate contest and appeared to turn in part on voters simply having had enough of the three-term senator.

Schumer did well among Jews, women and moderates, according to the exit polling conducted by Voter News Service.

Speaking to hundreds of excited supporters, Schumer had a few kind words for D'Amato - something that never happened during the campaign

"I respect his tenacity and his family should be proud of his service," Schumer said.

Written by Marc Humbert