Deb Fischer waves before her Republican National Convention speech on Aug. 28: Once she's sworn in as a senator in January, you can expect to see a whole lot more of Fischer.

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epublican Deb Fischer has defeated former Democratic Senator and Governor Bob Kerrey in the Nebraska Senate race, according to projections from ABC News and CBS News. With 42 percent of precincts reporting, Fischer has earned 55.8 percent of the vote, compared to Kerrey's 44.2 percent.

Fischer is a Nebraska state senator who was nominated over two better-known and better-financed candidates in the state's GOP primary. Fischer's campaign platform included a pledge never to raise taxes and a Constitutional balanced-budget amendment. Kerrey was attempting a return to politics after a decade as president of New York's New School University. The candidates were vying for the seat of retiring Sen. Ben Nelson (D), the only Democrat in Nebraska's five-person congressional delegation.

Here, early reactions to Fischer's victory:

Conservative commentator Michelle Malkin remains bearish on the GOP's chances:

And another GOP Senate victory MT @zbyronwolf ABC projects Deb Fischer will win in Neb. No triumphant return for Kerrey abcn.ws/live

— Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) November 7, 2012

The Daily KOS gets philosophical:

#NESen Well, you can't win them all; first called GOP Senate pickup of the night is open seat in Nebraska, w/ Deb Fischer over Bob Kerrey.

— Daily Kos Elections (@DKElections) November 7, 2012

Smart Girl Politics co-founder Teri Christoph thinks Fischer's victory is the beginning of a trend:

Things looking good for Deb Fischer in #NESEN. Conservative women doing well tonight!

— Teri Christoph (@TeriChristoph) November 7, 2012