(08-02) 20:47 PDT CINCINNATI, (AP) --
A Republican former state lawmaker claimed a seat in Congress on Tuesday by narrowly defeating an Iraq war veteran who drew national attention to the race with his military service and a series of harsh attacks on President Bush.
Name calling of the Prez backfires when you are military.... Very bad form...
With all precincts reporting, Jean Schmidt had 52 percent, or 57,974 votes, compared with Democrat Paul Hackett's 48 percent, or 54,401 votes. Schmidt's margin of victory amounted to about 3,500 votes out of more than 112,000 cast.
Wait a minute, Aren't they challenging this? What about Dick Tracy, and Homer Simpson? Didn't they vote? How about all the minority Dems who were too stupid to vote without help?
Schmidt, 53, will replace Republican Rob Portman, who stepped down this year after being named U.S. trade representative by Bush. Portman held the seat for 12 years, consistently winning with more than 70 percent of the vote in the Cincinnati-area district.
Parties out of power always do better in special elections...
Democrats had viewed the race as a bellwether for 2006, saying even a strong showing by Hackett in such a heavily GOP district would be a good sign for them in the midterm elections.
Close only counts in horseshoes? Haven't you ever heard that?
"We began this race way back in late March, and no one had thought we'd be the focus of the national media or be the so-called first test of the Republican Party and the Bush mandate. Well, ladies and gentleman, we passed that test," Schmidt said.
And the fact that a primary opponent DeWine, Jr was handicapped by his father's double-dealing association with the "Gang of 14" helped you too, Madame Representative. Congratulations - Good show!
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