DAVID A. LIEB, Associated Press

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Republican U.S. Pat Roberts has won re-election while turning back a challenge from suburban Kansas City businessman Greg Orman.

Roberts’ victory Tuesday continues a dominating streak for Kansas Republicans, who have not lost a U.S. Senate race since 1932.

But it didn’t come easy.

Roberts first survived a close GOP primary against a tea party challenger. Then Orman emerged a formidable independent candidate after the Democratic nominee dropped out.

Orman asserted Roberts had become part of the partisan gridlock in Washington after spending 18 years in the Senate and 16 before that in the U.S. House.

Roberts told voters his re-election was essential to Republican hopes of gaining control of the Senate and standing up to President Barack Obama. His campaign was aided by numerous high-profile Republicans.