Obama congratulates Owens

President Obama spoke to William L. Owens on Wednesday to congratulate him for winning Tuesday's election in the 23rd Congressional District, the White House reported.

Mr. Obama called Mr. Owens as well as Republican winners in the New Jersey and Virginia governors' races and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who narrowly won re-election.

Mr. Obama made the calls from Air Force One as he returned to Andrews Air Force Base from Madison, Wis., the White House reported.

The north country victory was the sole bright spot for the White House after Republican gains Tuesday, Mr. Obama and Vice President Biden having personally appealed for votes for Mr. Owens.