Special report: U.S. midterm elections     

Three U.S. newspapers reflect the midterm election results on Nov. 8, 2006. U.S. Democrats have captured both chambers of the U.S. Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections, after Democratic candidate James Webb defeated his Republican opponent, incumbent George Allen, in the crucial Senate race in Virginia, U.S. media reported Wednesday. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Republican Senator George Allen conceded defeat Thursday in his reelection effort, and the victory of Jim Webb, the Democratic candidate, making Democrats' control of Congress complete.

    This would be the first time in 12 years for the Democratic Party to take control of both the House and Senate.

    Allen, a former Virginia governor, acknowledged his defeat at a brief press conference in northern Virginia, and said he had called Webb to congratulate his victory.

    "The Bible teaches us there is a time and place for everything, and today I called and congratulated Jim Webb," he said, with John Warner, another Republican Senator from Virginia, standing aside.

    Allen 54, said he had the legal right to ask for a recount, but he would not do so, as "owners of government have spoken and I respect their decision."

    The recount might not change the results, and could drag on till Christmas, he said.

    Webb, a former Navy secretary, claimed victory early Wednesday after election returns showed him with a narrow lead. He was expected to declare victory at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

    In another Senate race, Republican Senator Conrad Burns conceded defeat Thursday to his Democratic challenger Jon Tester in Montana, the Associated Press reported.

    Media report had declared Tester a winner since early Wednesday.

    Tester's and Webb's victories gave Democrats the necessary seats to control the Senate, the first time since 2002.

    Democrats secured its control of the 435-member House hours after polling were closed Tuesday night, but control of the Senate had remained uncertain until Thursday.

    Democrats' sweeping victories in Tuesday's elections would bring the party back to majority in the House and Senate, when the110th Congress convenes in early January next year.

    The Republican-controlled White House was expected to face more pressure from Congress, and the Bush administration would have to adjust its legislative agenda and particularly its policy on Iraq, observers said.