Sen. Sherrod Brown: Cash can't fool middle-class voters

COLUMBUS, Ohio - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio says he'll promote more campaign finance disclosure after prevailing in Tuesday's election against close to $40 million in undisclosed outside spending.

The Democrat said he received dozens of congratulatory calls from colleagues after keeping his seat despite the heaviest onslaught of third-party cash in the nation. Brown beat Republican Josh Mandel in the closely watched race.

Brown said his victory proved well-funded industries seeking favor in Washington can't intimidate a Congress member who has a strong middle-class message.

Top groups targeting Brown were the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Crossroads organization of Republican strategist Karl Rove. Neither returned phone calls Wednesday seeking comment.

Brown supports the DISCLOSE Act, which prohibits government contractors from spending in federal elections and expands donor disclosure.