ONLINE EXTRA | Lugar concession speech

WISH TV

Updated: May 8, 2012 11:34 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Tuesday night, a moment in history unfolded: Indiana's longest-serving senator, Richard Lugar, was defeated.

At 8:05 p.m. he gave his concession speech, beginning with congratulations to his challenger, state Treasurer Richard Mourdock.

Several times his speech was interrupted by applause, the longest round coming when he thanked his wife: "I thank my campaign team who made enormous personal sacrifices and never stopped working hard or seeking a path to victory. Most of all I want to thank my loving wife, Char."

The applause was long and steady as he hugged her.

Lugar did admit in a statement he knew his campaign was in trouble since 2010 as he was facing an anti-incumbent mood since the recession.

Some supporters hugged and shed tears, one saying: "Indiana lost a great man tonight."

Lugar told the crowd: "My public service is not concluded. I look forward to what can be achieved in the Senate in the next eight months."

He is a man well-respected in Indiana, the country and the world for his work.

"Serving the people of Indiana in the US Senate has been the greatest honor of my public life," he said.

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