SHERBROOKE, Que. -- Dozens of Liberal supporters sat in stunned silence in Jean Charest's home riding as their local political hero lost his government.

Later, many booed when news outlets reported Charest had lost his own riding of Sherbrooke to Parti Quebecois candidate Serge Cardin.

Charest's defeat was later confirmed.

More than 100 people watched as the election results rolled in on a big-screen TV at the Liberal headquarters in Charest's hometown of Sherbrooke.

Except for a couple of gasps and some red, watery eyes, the disappointed supporters were silent when they learned that Charest's Liberals had lost the election.

Most remained quiet when reports later indicated Charest had lost his riding -- but several booed.

It was the first time Charest lost his own seat in his 28-year political career -- a stretch that took place entirely in this city.

The 54-year-old Charest had won eight consecutive votes at the federal and provincial levels.

The Liberal loss brings Charest's nine-year run as Quebec's leader to an end -- leaving Ontario's Dalton McGuinty with the longest active streak by a Canadian premier.