Louisiana Republican Representative Bill Cassidy has defeated Democratic incumbant Mary Landrieu in a runnoff election for a U.S. Senate seat.

Cassidy's win gives the party another seat in the already Republican held Senate.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) REPUBLICAN BILL CASSIDY SAYING:

"This victory happened becuase people in Louisiana voted for a government which serves us but does not tell us what to do."

Three term Democrat Mary Landrieu was upbeat during her concession and said she was proud of her accomplishments.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) DEMOCRAT MARY LANDRIEU SAYING:

"We honour and accept the decision tonight but I cannot tell you all and my family how proud we are to have made a big difference everyday for many decades, and we will continue to do so. thank you so much. God bless!"

Landrieu had been fighting to remain one of only two Democratic senators from the southeast but failed to shake off her affiliation with Obama who is deeply unpopular am