WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush (news - web sites)'s campaign declared victory on Wednesday over Democratic Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites) and claimed a second term in the White House, but Kerry refused to concede until all ballots were counted in the undecided state of Ohio.

Ohio's 20 electoral votes were essential to give either candidate the Electoral College (news - web sites) majority of 270 needed to win the White House, after a divisive campaign that focused on the war in Iraq (news - web sites), the battle against global terrorism, and the economy.

Kerry's running mate, Sen. John Edwards (news - web sites) of North Carolina, told supporters in Boston there would be no concession until all votes had been counted in Ohio.

"It's been a long night, but we've waited four years for this victory, we can wait one more night," Edwards said, adding: "We will fight for every vote."