September 16, 2008 Sen. Kerry thanks supporters after primary win Play video

(NECN) - It didn't take long for the results to come for the only statewide race Tuesday. John Kerry easily defeated Democrat Ed O'Reilly in the race for the U.S. Senate. It was Kerry's first primary challenge since 1984.

Afterwards he thanked his supporters who gathered at a local pub.

Senator Kerry said he was happy for two reasons. First, that he won the primary, and second because George Bush would only be in the White House for 128 more days.

Sen. Kerry faces Republican Jeff Beatty, a former CIA official and Army Delta Force member. He says he wants to bring "accountability" top the Senate seat.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy tonight released the following statement:

"I congratulate my friend and colleague John Kerry on his victory tonight. He is an outstanding Senator for the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On November 4, Massachusetts will stand strong for John Kerry as he has always stood strong for us, and we'll return him to the Senate with a bold new President for all the American people, Barack Obama. I look forward to returning to the United States Senate with John Kerry in January as we work to get our economy moving again, bring health care to all, restore America's standing in the world and end the war in Iraq."