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squinting at the numbers, county by county. He refused to be excited by
the early returns, despite congratulatory calls from vice-president-elect
Bush and Strom Thurmond and the whoops that greeted two network
projections that he was the sure winner. He remained in a curtained-off
room, checking returns with his county chairmen. Finally, he plopped
himself edgily in front of one of the four TV sets in his cramped head-
quarters and “impatiently switched channels just as his 21-year-old son,
Tod, got the picture adjusted. His daughters, Becky 18, and Sarah, 20,
flanked their father, while Sally stood behind him and smoothed his
hair.” When his lead in King County was confirmed, he at last emerged
to cheers.^17
“It’s important for all of us to remember that Senator Magnuson has
served our state extremely well. He has been a great senator,” Gorton
said, promising to work tirelessly to keep the faith. “It’s a wonderful and
euphoric evening, and I’m beginning to be in awe of what we have
wrought.” Finally he flashed a triumphant grin.^18
A study in wounded grace, Magnuson phoned to offer congratulations,
“and if you need any help setting up your new office, just let me know.” A
few minutes later came another call. “Congratulations,” Scoop said.
“We’re the senators from Washington State. I want to have lunch with you
next week.”^19