Elections always bring surprises. Last week's had more than its share of cliffhangers, stunning defeats and colorful personalities.

The biggest surprise? Minnesota's new Governor, Jesse Ventura, a former pro wrestler once known as the Body.

His victory amazed many Minnesotans. Even Ventura seemed unprepared: "I concentrated so hard on winning that I really didn't think much about my plans."

The Democrats, President Clinton's political party, were pleasantly surprised. They won five new seats in the House of Representatives. The opposing Republicans were bitterly disappointed. Now they have just 12 more House seats than the Democrats.

In the Senate, Republicans held on to their 55-to-45 seat advantage over the Democrats. But they lost two important races in New York and California.

In one of the most expensive races, New York's 18-year Senator, Republican Alfonse D'Amato, lost to Democrat Charles Schumer. California Democrat Barbara Boxer managed to hold on to her Senate seat.

Around the U.S., some close races proved that every vote matters. In Kentucky, Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning scored a Senate seat. His opponent went down swinging: Bunning won by fewer than 5,000 votes!

Daily News from TIME for Kids

November 13, 1998 World Report