(WBBM) -- Tammy Duckworth says she is humbled by the outpouring of support that she received while running for Congress in the 6th district.
The Democrat gave her concession speech at about 11:15 p.m. Tuesday after a long night of watching returns.
Earlier in the evening, Duckworth said she was very nervous about the race but said she felt she did everything she could have possibly done to win.
Duckworth's husband had an interesting perspective on the race.
Bryan Bowlsbey has sat by his wife as the Iraq War veteran went through numerous surgeries after she lost both legs to an RPG while flying a Blackhawk helicopter north of Baghdad.
Bowlsbey said Duckworth wasn't being operated on or possibly dying so he said compared to that, the campaign was a walk in the park.
Back up on podium, Duckworth told her supporters to continue to exercise their right to raise their voices and reminded them of the big picture - that Democrats won control of the U.S. House.
Duckworth says on November 12th, she'll celebrate the second anniversary of her 'alive day' - the day that she was wounded in Iraq.
One Democrat strategist blamed the loss on the state party. He said the Illinois GOP poured more money and resources into the race- including sending 25 mailers while, Illinois democrats didn't mail out one.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin disagrees. He says the race was an uphill battle in an area that has traditionally supported republicans.
He calls Duckworth a strong candidate and says there may be another way for her to serve her country.
As she left the room, Duckworth supporters chanted "2008" as in the next election year.
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