BOSTON--Michael E. Capuano (D), the mayor of Somerville, was decisively elected to represent the 8th Congressional District in Congress last night, promising to use his mandate for pragmatic and effective government in Washington.

Capuano replaces Joseph P. Kennedy II (D), who has served since 1987.

With 82 percent of precincts reporting, Capuano had a commanding lead, with 81 percent of the vote. His nearest challenger, Republican J. Phillip Hyde, had 12 percent. Two other candidates, Andrea Morell of the Socialist Workers Party, and Anthony Schinella, an independent, split the remaining 7 percent.

"Well, it might not have been as suspenseful as a month and a half ago," Capuano said at his victory rally in Charlestown last night. "But the results are better."

Hyde phoned Capuano just after 8:30 p.m. and conceded.

Just after 9:15 p.m., Capuano strode to the podium to the strains of "Taking Care of Business," his wife and two sons in tow.

"I've asked people across this district and I'm going to ask you, my closest friends. Never let me forget who I am," he said.

Capuano said he will fight for the elderly and, referring to his two sons, Michael, 17, and Joseph, 14, standing just

behind him, he said education would be his top priority.

He then ruminated on the history of his seat.

"The thought of sitting in the same seat as Joe Kennedy, Tip O'Neill, JFK, and James Michael Curley...," he said, his voice trailing.

"Bring on Newt!" shouted a supporter.

Capuano rejoined, "He's ice cream."

While many of his primary challengers promoted broad spending plans and radical change to government programs in the face of Republican governance, Capuano said he tried to strike a balance between political necessity and pragmatism.

His first focus when he arrives on Capitol Hill: "I'm going to learn how to work within the house establishment," he told The Crimson in an interview. "I wasn't elected to destroy the establishment. I'd like to try and change it."

Although he calls himself a progressive Democrat, many of his positions are centrist.