While the historic election of Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) was the most prominent story of election night 2008, Democrats also expanded their majorities in the House, Senate and statehouses. There were a number of themes throughout the nearly two-year presidential campaign, but in the waning days the need to revive the U.S. economy was the biggest take away message and significantly impacted most campaigns for federal office.

It is difficult to discern, at this point, the specific impact of the 2008 elections on efforts to boost federal transportation infrastructure investment. It should be noted, however, Senator Obama and the bicameral congressional Democratic leadership have frequently discussed the need to rebuild the nation's infrastructure systems. What can be determined right now is the election's impact on the control of Congress and the make-up of key congressional committees.

House and Senate
House Democrats added at least 19 seats to their current majority, while Senate Democrats expanded their control over the chamber by at least six seats. House Democrats are currently projected to achieve a 254 to 173 majority (eight races are undecided), which would represent the largest majority in that chamber in 15 years.

Senate Democrats will hold a minimum 56 to 40 majority in the next Congress-there are currently four officially undecided Senate races. If Democrats were to win all of these contests, they would attain a 60-seat majority that would theoretically enable them to overcome Republican filibusters. Losing this procedural tool would deny Republicans their last remaining guaranteed avenue to block legislation now that Democrats control both Congress and the White House.

A 60-vote Democratic majority, however, remains elusive for a number of reasons. Incumbent Republicans currently lead in three of the four undecided races-Ted Stevens (Alaska), Norm Coleman (Minn.) and Saxby Chambliss (Georgia). While Senator Coleman leads by a narrow margin with all precincts reporting, a recount has been requested. The Georgia Senate race may not be decided until December. Although Senator Chambliss leads, he must garner over 50 percent of the vote to prevent a runoff with his Democratic challenger James Martin. The Oregon Senate race remains too close to call and votes are still being tabulated. Even if Democrats were to prevail in all these states, a 60-vote Democratic majority would still be contingent on the support of Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) who actively supported Senator John McCain's (R-Ariz.) presidential campaign.