Independent Angus King, who won the contest for Maine's open U.S. Senate seat, says he's optimistic that he can make a difference in the "poisonous atmosphere" of American politics.

Former Maine Gov. Angus King says his victory in Maine's U.S. Senate race sends a message that Mainers want "listening instead of lecturing, compromise instead of confrontation and solutions instead of slogans."

Speaking before hundreds of cheering supporters in Freeport, the independent said he's "optimistic" this his win and the message it sends "can make a difference in the poisonous atmosphere of American politics today."

King beat Republican Charlie Summers and Democrat Cynthia Dill - along with three other independents - to win the coveted seat. He still has not said which party he plans to caucus with when he gets to Washington.

To hear King's entire speech, click the "Listen" button above.