Political newcomer Anh "Joseph" Cao, a Republican, holds an early lead over nine-term incumbent William Jefferson, a Democrat, in the 2nd Congressional District. With 139 of 492 precincts reporting around 9:15 p.m., Cao, a Venetian Isles attorney who has enjoyed strong backing from local and national GOP organizations, is leading 58 percent to 39 percent over Jefferson. Green Party candidate Malik Rahim has 2 percent, while Libertarian Gregory Kahn is trailing with 1 percent. The district, which was drawn to give African Americans an electoral advantage, covers most of New Orleans, most of Jefferson Parish's West Bank and parts of...