Democrats Win The House

It's A Full House For Democrats
By Adam Suter

Democrats took control of the House of Representatives Tuesday after winning a large majority of election day races, while also gaining seats in the Senate. Democratic candidates are leading in many districts held by Republicans and are on track to win a lot more than the 15 seats needed to take control of the House.

House Democratic Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., celebrates the Democratic victory at an election-night rally. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Democrats won a cliffhanger race in Montana on Wednesday that brought them to the brink of control of the Senate, The Hindu said. The focus is now on the outcome in Virginia which would give Democrats control of both Houses of Congress if they win, according to aljazeera.net. Democrat James Webb holds a small lead over Republican incumbent George Allen, but a recount is possible. Democrats captured five of the six Republican seats they needed for control: Ohio, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Montana and managed to hold endangered Democratic seats in New Jersey and Maryland. The breakdown for the new Senate on Wednesday stands at Democrats 50, Republicans 49, with Virginia still too close to call.

Democratic supporters celebrate their victory.
(Jason Reed/ Reuters)

The State Board of Elections in Virginia announced it would not certify the outcome of the race between Webb and Allen until Nov. 27, after which recounts could begin, according to Fox News.com. There are no automatic recounts in Virginia. The candidates were separated by about 7,800 votes out of more than 2.3 million cast, with indications from both camps that any final outcome could wind up in court.