GOP concedes in Oregon Senate race

(CNN) - U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith of Oregon conceded defeat to Democratic challenger Jeff Merkley on Thursday, and offered to help in his transition into the job, Merkley said Thursday.

"This has felt like a very long day and a half," he told reporters.

Merkley said he received a call from Smith around mid-morning "in which he was extremely gracious. He noted what an honor it was to serve as a United States senator representing this terrific state."

With 92 percent of the ballots received counted, Merkley has received 48.79 percent of the vote to Smith's 45.71 percent, according to unofficial results tabulated by the Oregon Secretary of State's office. A third candidate, David Brownlow, has receive 5 percent of the vote.