Republican Congressman Chris Shays bucked the national trend and held on to his seat.

Early Wednesday, figures pushed Shays to victory over Democrat challenger Diane Farrell for the second consecutive time in Connecticut's 4th Congressional District.

During his acceptance speech, Shays said he thinks people could learn around the country that when you run a straightforward campaign, talking about your record and your love for your country, you can win.

Farrell relentlessly tried to tie Shays to President Bush and the war. She said the $250 million spent daily in Iraq would be better spent on domestic needs, particularly in cities such as impoverished Bridgeport.