Chellie Pingree (D-North Haven) has just made her victory speech following the AP calling the 1st Congressional race for her.

With 29 percent of precincts reporting, Pingree leads 57 to 42, according to preliminary results.

“This is a great night,” Pingree said.

Pingree acknowledged both her five primary opponents and Charlie Summers, her general election opponent.

“I’d also like to thank Tom Allen. If Tom hadn’t made a very courageous decision, I wouldn’t be standing here tonight.”

She added:

“The voters of Maine are angry. They’re talking about the importance of ending the war started by this misguided administration.”

She said the debate has changed in the 18 months she has been campaigning, as the nation saw an energy and financial crisis.

“We really need a change, and to do things differently.”

“As soon as we have a new administration and new members of Congress, we’ll get right to work. I’ll represent the common sense, the values and the spirit of Maine people.”

She said throughout the course of the campaign she has imagined what it would feel like on the morning of Nov. 5.

“People in countries all over the world will open their newspapers and say ‘They did it in America.’”

She promised to get right to work in Congress and be tough about the issues.

She gave her speech to a cheering room at the Empire Dine and Dance in Portland. Shortly after, the room erupted again when Barack Obama was declared the winner of the presidential race.