Special Report: Kerry Campaign

After more than a year on the campaign trail, John Kerry is back in Boston. He’s over at the Westin Hotel in Copley Square, waiting for the voters to have their say. Today, the candidate looked relaxed, upbeat and confident as he ended his campaign where is all began.

After logging hundreds of thousands of miles campaigning across the country, John Kerry touches down at Hanscom Field this morning. The smiling candidate steps off the plane after a long and grueling campaign.

The first order of business in Boston: casting his vote at the State House in Boston. His wife, and two daughters are at his side, and cast their ballots as well.

Sen. John Kerry, (D) Presidential Nominee
"It is spectacular to be home. It’s a great feeling. It’s a great welcome home. Like millions of Americans, I just cast my ballot, and my daughters cast theirs. It’s the great gift of our democracy."

Then an election day tradition for Kerry – lunch at the Union Oyster House.

Stephanie Cutter, Kerry Campaign Spokesperson
"He’s having his traditional election day lunch. He’s having some chowder and a beer with his wife. This is a tradition he had, for going on 25 years. So, this is bringing good luck to him"

So far, Kerry campaign staffers say his luck is holding out.

Stephanie Cutter, Kerry Campaign Spokesperson
"The voter turnout is high. We are doing extremely well in all the battleground states."

Sen. John Kerry, (D) Presidential Nominee
"And now the campaign comes to an end, and the American people will decide. I’m very confident that we made the case for change, the case for trust in new leadership."

Kerry spent the afternoon working the phones – calling out to some of the battleground states, giving interviews to reporters out there. After that, he will have dinner with his family in his Beacon Hill home. He’ll then return to the Westin Hotel to watch the returns with his running mate John Edwards