Tammy Baldwin made history Tuesday night -- twice. She became the first openly gay politician, and first Wisconsin woman, elected to the U.S. Senate. The seven-term Democratic congresswoman edged past former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson in a win that advocacy groups hailed as a significant stride toward bringing diversity to the Senate. Baldwin said she ran "to make a difference" and not to make history. But she said she hopes the Senate will be more reflective of America and the "life experience" of women. "Having a seat at the table matters and I think we will see a Senate that is more reflective of America. We're certainly not there yet, but this will be a change that moves us forward," she told CNN.
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Tammy Baldwin one of at least 118 successful gay and lesbian candidates this election
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Baldwin says her victory means states are "moving toward full equality"
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She won a Senate seat over former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson
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Campaign watchers: Race rooted in voter issues, not sexual orientation
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