Kerry calls Bush to concede election

Democratic Sen. John Kerry conceded the White House race to President Bush in a phone call on Wednesday, ending uncertainty about ballot counting in Ohio and cementing Bush's re-election to a second four-year term.

Bush's election win sends him into a second term facing daunting challenges, from a worsening insurgency in Iraq--the aftermath of his decision to invade the country in 2003--and soaring federal budget deficits.

Kerry's running mate, Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, told supporters in Boston there would be no concession until all votes had been counted in Ohio.

"With a bigger majority, we can do even more exciting things," said House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a Republican from Texas.