Joe Donnelly celebrates winning Indiana's U.S. Senate seat with his wife Jill on Tuesday, November 6. WRTV-TV Indianapolis

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Joe Donnelly is thanking his supporters after being elected Senator of Indiana. 

Donnelly, who promoted himself as a moderate, was able to gain the support of many so-called “Lugar Republicans.” Donnelly defeated State Treasurer Richard Mourdock, the tea party supported Republican who ousted longtime Senator Richard Lugar in the May primary election, with almost 50 percent of the vote.  Mourdock had 44 percent.

During a speech at his victory rally in Indianapolis, Donnelly praised the help he got from state Democrats, including former senator Evan Bayh.

“We have a tradition in Indiana, in the United States Senate. And that tradition are people like Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh who worked together. Whose only focus is on what's right for our country,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly also said he will help in getting both parties in Washington to work together.

“We can solve these problems. We can solve the budget deficit problem. We can solve the problem of making sure our men and women come home from Afghanistan,” Donnelly said.

Polls showed the race between Donnelly and Mourdock had been very close until Mourdock made controversial comments regarding rape, abortion, and God during latter of their two debates.

In his concession speech Tuesday, Mourdock stood by those comments.

“Though I was attacked for it as well, make no mistake, I stand that all life is precious in the eyes of God,” he said.

The race attracted millions of dollars in contributions. $50 million was poured in from in-state and out-of-state Democrats, Republicans, and political action committees.

LINKS:

Millions Pour Into Senate Race; Mourdock In Aurora

Mourdock Apologizes For Rape Comment