JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -  

Missouri Democrat Claire McCaskill has successfully defended her U.S. Senate seat against GOP challenger Todd Akin in a race that received national attention because of Akin's comments on pregnancy and rape.

Missouri's nationally watched U.S. Senate race has commanded much of the public's attention this year, filling the gap left by an absence of campaigning in Missouri by either Democratic President Barack Obama or Republican challenger Mitt Romney. The Senate race also has overshadowed a large number of down-ballot races, including contests for governor, four other statewide executive offices, scores of federal and state legislative seats, various judges and local county officials.