Losing these seats would have been bad -- but holding on to them both in as strong a fashion as the party has could be a sign that Republican support is not so weak as one might have thought.

Republicans retained control of two Congressional seats Tuesday in special elections in Ohio and Virginia, thwarting Democratic efforts to expand their control in the House. The elections were held to complete the terms of members of the House who had died.

In Virginia, Robert J. Wittman, a first-term Republican state legislator, easily defeated the Democratic candidate, Philip Forgit, a teacher. Mr. Wittman will complete the term of Jo Ann Davis, who had represented a southeastern Virginia district for seven years. Ms. Davis died of breast cancer in October.

In Ohio, Robert E. Latta, a Republican state representative, defeated Robin Weirauch, a Democrat who was making her third run. Mr. Latta will replace Paul E. Gillmor, who died in a fall in September. Mr. Gillmor was first elected in a northwest Ohio district in 1988.

Two chances to snatch safe seats from the GOP. Two failures.

Posted by: Greg at 11:13 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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