CINCINNATI - 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.
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.
Schmidt, 53, will replace Republican Rob Portman, who stepped down this year after being named U.S. trade representative by President Bush. Portman held the seat for 12 years, consistently winning with more than 70 percent of the vote in the Cincinnati-area district.
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.
The Iraqi war vetran was a trial lawyer in the reserve.
Served in a civilian liason capacity.
Not that anyone serving there doesn't merit our thanks but he was trading the same way Kerry did.
I'm pretty sure that will be the A.M. SPIN.
If they're content with "almost" wins then I think we can all get along afterall, ROTFL.
What about provisional and absentee ballots.
WHich Freeper, last night, said there would be a 4% difference?