Feeney, Keller Lose as More House Races Get Called
The first two House Republicans have fallen tonight.
Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Fla.) has lost his re-election bid to former state Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D) in the 24th district, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
In Floridas 8th district, Rep. Ric Keller (R) was defeated by attorney Alan Grayson (D) with three-quarters of the precincts reporting.
Freshman Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), who won his first race by just 369 votes over banker Christine Jennings (D) last cycle, had a 19-point lead over Jennings in their rematch tonight with 79 percent of precincts reporting.
Meanwhile, polls continue to close across the country they will close in nine more states, most of which have several competitive House races, at 9 p.m. EST. Ballots will begin to be commence counting in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Wyoming and most of Minnesota.
Two Twin Cities-area Congressional seats are up for grabs tonight. Rep. Jim Ramstads (R) retirement left Democrats with a pickup opportunity, but the race was too close to call before Election Day. Rep. Michele Bachmanns (R) infamous recent gaffe has also left her vulnerable in what should have been an easy re-election for the freshman.
In Arizona, Rep. Rick Renzis (R) retirement has given former state Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D) an edge in the 1st district race. Rep. John Shadegg (R), meanwhile, has a well-funded challenge from attorney Bob Lord (D).
Freshman Rep. Harry Mitchell (D) has a strong challenge from former Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert (R), but the Congressman is expected to win. Fellow freshman Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D) is also expected to win over another strong GOP challenger, state Senate President Tim Bee (R).
In Colorado, Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R) is in the fight of her political career against former Senate aide Betsy Markey (D). Despite the districts more conservative tendencies, Democrats see this seat as a solid possible pickup opportunity tonight.
Two Republican-held New Mexico House seats stand a good chance of falling.
There are no competitive races in Arkansas or Rhode Island.
