By (Display Name not set)
November 7, 2006
| 11:26 PM
11:10 pm
At 11:04, CNN calls the House for Dems.
At 11:03, MSNBC calls Kyl (R) in AZ SEN. MSNBC's Matthews: "That's interesting."
At 11 pm, FNC calls that Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) has won re-election, Gabrielle Giffords (D) has defeated Randy Graf (R) in AZ 08, Rep. Clay Shaw (R-FL 22) has lost re-election, and Shuler won NC 11. CNN calls at 11 pm: Feinstein (D) in CA SEN; Akaka (D) in HI SEN; and Murphy (D) in CT 05.
Senate Min. Leader Harry Reid (D-NV): "I've never predicted we were going to be in the majority." On the remaining SEN races: "Some of those look a little weak right now." More Reid: "The message to the American people should be, 'A one-party town doesn't work'" (FNC).
Big Tenn Wait: Nashville affiliate WSMV reports that some voters in E Nashville have been line for as long as 4 hours. Polls are still open as voters remain in line at approx 9:55 central time.
Bloomberg’s Carlson notes that the “heart” of Democrats was in the VA SEN race and in TN (Bloomberg).<.i>
On Bloomberg’s “Business and the Ballot,” Bob Novak: “Republicans are going into a soul searching mood” (Bloomberg).
Bloomberg’s Simon: “The tide is rising, and it looks like a Democratic tide” (Bloomberg, 10:52).
Jon Stewart: “The real question here, can Karl Rove’s tactical genius overcome, once again, let’s say, reality?”
11:05 pm ET
Dems pick up State Senate, Executive Council, possibly both CDs in NH.
11:00 pm ET
10:55: MSNBC predicts House will be comprised of 231 Dems and 204 GOPers.
10:58 pm ET
Michael Steele (R) said on the local Fox affil: “A funny thing happened on the way to the United States Senate. … I’m not giving up this fight just yet, folks.”
John Kerry, on Sestak’s win: “Pennsylvania rejected the low and ugly swiftboating of veterans who risked their lives for this country” (release).
TN SEN UPDATE: While East TN GOP strongholds Hamilton (Chattanooga) and Knox Co have largely reported, Dem bulwarks Davidson (Nashville) and Shelby (Memphis) have still reported less than 50% of their precincts. Hamilton is Corker’s base (he was Mayor of Chattanooga) and Shelby is home to Ford, as well as the the biggest trove of black votes in the state.
At 10:51 pm, FNC projects that Bill Ritter (D) has won in CO GOV, Chet Culver (D) has won in IA GOV, and Mike Beebe (D) has won in AR GOV.
Also, at 10:53 pm, FNC calls that House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) has won re-election.
Ken Mehlman, speaking in third person about the war in Iraq: "The chairman is not out there saying I understand the nuance of policy" (MSNBC).
ABC has Dems picking up 9 House seats so far.
SC Gov. Mark Sanford (R) won re-election with 54% of the vote against Dem Tommy Moore, per AP.
ABC’s Stephanopoulos: "It looks like Pennsylvania is one of the key stories tonight."
10:57 pm ET
While East TN GOP strongholds Hamilton (Chattanooga) and Knox Co have largely reported, Dem bulwarks Davidson (Nashville) and Shelby (Memphis) have still reported less than 50% of their precincts. Hamilton is Corker’s base (he was Mayor of Chattanooga) and Shelby is home to Ford, as well as the the biggest trove of black votes in the state.
10:56 pm ET
Statement from Michael Davies, Executive Director, DLCC: "Democrats have won the IN House. Success in this is a traditionally red state shows how strong Democrats are at the local level. Winning this chamber also protects a potential target for Republican mid-decade redistricting."
10:54 pm ET
State Rep. Joe Negron (R) just conceded to businessman Tim Mahoney (D) in FL 16 – in the seat formerly held by Mark Foley. He lost 49-48%...
10:53 pm ET
CNN and MSNBC call NC 11 for Heath Shuler (D) over Rep. Charles Taylor (R).
ABC projects KY 02 for Lewis (R) and KY 04 for Davis (R). ABC also calls FL 22 for Klein (D) . Stephanopoulos: "This is a big big pick up for them."
FNC's Cameron, on the possibility of a recount in VA SEN: "As Chuck Schumer said yesterday, 'We are not going to be caught unawares'" (FNC).
Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL): “Where the Democrats have successfully made the case for change, they're going to win” (CNN).
10:52 pm ET
FNC calls PA 10 for Chris Carney (D) over Rep. Don Sherwood (R)
10:50 pm ET
Senate Min. Leader Harry Reid, on VA SEN even though a winner has not been called: "I think there's going to be an automated recount. It's that close" (MSNBC).
ABC’s Raddatz, on the White House: “I sense that it is a very downbeat mood there.”
ABC showed a minute of Sen. Hillary Clinton’s (D-NY) victory speech live. Clinton said: “I just think that democracy is great.” More HRC: "Last week, the vice president said regardless of the outcome, the administration would not change direction. I think the American people have said, 'Not so fast'" (MSNBC).
DCCC chair Rahm Emanuel: “We're half way around, and we haven't got west of the Mississippi” (ABC).
10:46 pm ET
ON THE HOUSE: Rep. Thelma Drake (R-VA 02) narrowly defeats Phil Kellam (D) – 51-49% with 100% of precincts reporting…
Katie Couric called PA 10 “a particularly charming race.” Said Schieffer: “Choking one’s mistress may top hypocrisy as the worst political crime” (CBS).
McCain, asked when he first noticed corruption becoming a problem: "Seven or eight years ago." On why voters are upset with Congress: "They want us to look at their issues. The low approval ratings show that." To MSNBC's Matthews: "Can I just add your brother ran a very fine campaign" (MSNBC).
10:44 pm ET
Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT), in his victory speech: "Love you. I'm Joe Lieberman and I approve of this election" (CNN).
Keith Ellison becomes the 1st Muslim in Congress, according to the AP. (AP)
John Kerry leads the Dem victory speeches in MA.
ABC’s Roberts said Dems “haven't picked off any high-growing fruit yet.”
10:43 pm ET
Rep. Thelma Drake (R-VA 02) narrowly defeats Phil Kellam (D) – 51-49% with 100% of precincts reporting…
10:42 pm ET
The closest race in the country is shaping up to be the race between Rep. Deborah Pryce (R) and Franklin Co. Cmsr. Mary Jo Kilroy (D). With 83% of the vote in, Pryce leads Kilroy by 631 votes, with her stronghold of Madison Co. not yet reported. But 9% of the ballots in Franklin Co. have yet to be counted, and Kilroy has led 52-48% there.
10:41 pm ET
CBS’s Schieffer, on flight patterns: “This airplane is landing exactly at the airport we thought it would.”
10:40 pm ET
CBS says Dems have netted 11 House seats so far.
But AP reports that write-in GOPer Sheila Sekula Gibbs has won TX-22 over Dem Nick Lampson. (AP)
Bill Kristol, on GOP leads in GA 08 and GA 12: "It looks like the South may save the Republicans. ... If they hold the Senate, it will be because of Virginia and Tennessee" (FNC).
10:35 pm ET
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who said that the election returns were "disappointing": "I really am sad about losing someone like Mike DeWine." More McCain: “We're gonna come right back, we'll learn, we'll listen to the voters. ... We've got to get back to our conservative principles" (FNC).
At 10:19 pm, FNC calls that Charlie Wilson (D) has won in OH 06.
AP called Fenty for D.C. “easily.”
The Denver Post reports waits of more than 2 hours at some of the city’s 55 voting centers. Voters had to be bused to nearly polling centers, paid for by a GOV candidate who the bus driver refused to name. Denver Post
DCCC Chair Rahm Emanuel: "I feel very good about the numbers we're starting to see around Pennsylvania, Connecticut and upstate New York" (CNN).
10:30 pm ET
We’re still waiting on a combined 80 precincts in Loudoun and Prince William in VA SEN; George Allen’s (R) lead is now above 20K thanks to his margin in VA Beach and Hanover Co.
Exit polls in VA show 53% disapprove of Bush's job performance (46% approve), and 60% believe Jim
Webb respects women (29% believes he does not) (MSNBC).
ON THE HOUSE: CNN calls KY 04 for Rep. Geoff Davis (R) over ex-Rep. Ken Lucas (D). Meanwhile, Rep. Jim Ryun (R-KS) is trailing Dem challenger Nancy Boyda 44-54%. GOP Reps. Todd Tiahrt and Jerry Moran were re-elected, while Rep. Dennis Moore is still leading his re-election (AP)
ABC’s Gibson says Martin O’Malley has defeated “Ben Ehrlich.”
As a reporter jots down the drink prices at Eliot Spitzer’s party, an attendee “wonders what the big deal is” with writing down prices. “Hey. This is New York,” he says (Newsday.com).
NBC’s Gregory: “We expect to hear from the President tomorrow.”
ABC's Gibson, on Nancy Johnson: "We're not ready to call it, but she has."
ABC’s Moran, at Dem HQ: "They can feel it. They can taste it. They can smell it. And they're starting to drink it, in fact."
10:27 pm ET
At 10:22 pm, Rep. Nancy Johnson (R) conceded (Hotline sources)
10:26 pm ET
CNN calls KY 04 for Rep. Geoff Davis (R) over ex-Rep. Ken Lucas (D)…
10:25 pm ET
ON THE HOUSE: At 10:14 pm, FNC calls that Zack Space (D) has won in OH 18, the district formally occupied by ex-Rep. Bob Ney (R). At 10:15 pm, FNC called that Rep. Don Sherwood (R-PA 10) has lost re-election. U.S. News’ Barone: "Well, those are two of those scandal seats.” Barone, on Padgett: “She was not the ideal candidate” (FNC).
At 10:11 pm, FNC calls that Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA 07) has lost re-election. U.S. News’ Barone: “Which district are we talking about?” (FNC).
CBS on House seats: GOPers 155; Dems 144; Dems have netted 9 House seats.
ABC’s Will, noting that moderate GOPers are losing and conservative Dems are winning: "We could be seeing the creation of a more conservative House of Representatives than the one we just had."
Gov. Rick Perry “can become the longest serving governor” in TX history, taking just more than 40% of the vote (Chron.com).
AP reports that gay marriage amendments won in SC, WI and VA.
Altoona Mirror AP headline: “Altoona native elected Florida governor.” Crist lived in Altoona, PA for the first six weeks of his life.(AP)
At 10:08, FNC calls that Rep. Mike Sodrel (R-IN 09) has lost re-election to ex-Rep. Baron Hill (D). FNC's Garrett: "Our viewers should pay attention to this race, because I think it's going to be subject to legal challenge" (FNC).
ABC’s Stephanopoulos, on Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH): "This would be a real morale boost for Republicans if she holds on."
Bloomberg reports that Kinky Friedman said “why the hell not?” in response to receiving 10% of the vote in the TX GOV race (Bloomberg, 10:04).
Bloomberg’s Simon, on Rep. Nancy Johnson’s (CT-05) losing: “If there’s evidence of a Democratic wave, that would clearly be one part of it” (Bloomberg, 10:05). More Simon, on overall effects on the Bush admin: “I think there’s gonna be a bloodletting” (Bloomberg, 10:08).
FNC is calling the OH 18 election for atty. Zack Space (D) over state Sen. Joy Padgett (R)…
10:22 pm ET
There are some razor-tight races going on in NY right now. A recap:
NY 20: Rep. John Sweeney (R) narrowly trails atty. Kirsten Gillibrand (D), 51-49% with 20% of precincts reporting.
NY 25: Rep. Jim Walsh (R) narrowly leads Dan Maffei (D), 51-49%, with 33% of precincts reporting.
NY 26: NRCC Chair Tom Reynolds (R) narrowly leads Jack Davis (D) by 179 votes with 18% of precincts reporting.
Meanwhile, Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-NY 29) is leading comfortably over Iraq war vet Eric Massa (D) and Oneida Co. DA
Michael Arcuri holds a 9-point lead over state Sen. Ray Meier (R) in NY 24.
10:20 pm ET
Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), on going to IA and NH: “I would really shake up everybody if I did that” (Palm Beach Post blog).
ON THE HOUSE:
FNC calls IN 09 for ex-Rep. Baron Hill (D) over Rep. Mike Sodrel (R)…
10:14 pm ET
At 10:04 pm, FNC calls that Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-CT 05) has lost re-election to Chris Murphy (D). FNC's Garrett, on Johnson: "She ran locally, she did all the things in the Republican playbook ... it didn't work." Garrett, on GOPers: "Their only hope now is that the [House] losses are in the low 20s" (FNC).
At 10:03 pm, FNC calls that Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS) has won re-election.
Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on what he said to a conceding Katherine Harris (R): “I told her that I had seen her on TV today out in the rain… and that I hoped she had dried off.” (“The Buzz”).
In AZ, charity bingo seems “likely to cruise to easy approval among ballot measures” (Arkansas Times blog).
Phil Angelides daughter, Christina, “wore a blue silkscreened tee-shirt with a faded image of her bespectacled dad's head. It looked like those popular Che Guevara T-shirts,” but without Che (Los Angeles Times blog).
And, reporters deal with elections in different ways. Here’s a sample:
Baltimore Sun’s Rodricks: “I miss Jack Germond” (Baltimore Sun).
New York Observer’s Sicha “I spotted Vernon Jordan! To the bar! Hi-o!” (Observer blog).
Meanwhile, Tim Russert took out his dry-erase board and suddenly all seemed right in the world….
10:13 pm ET
FNC calls IN 09 for ex-Rep. Baron Hill (D) over Rep. Mike Sodrel (R)…
10:12 pm ET
Manchester Union Leader calls NH 02 for Dem Hodes.
10:08 pm ET
With just 8 precincts out, Sen. George Allen (R-VA) is on track to WIN VA Beach, the last significantly locality to report; he’s got just shy of a 7K vote lead in the city.
ABC's Gibson, on Allen's lead in VA SEN: "That will be a deep disappointment to the Democrats."
DCCC Chair Rahm Emanuel, on the GOP: "I'd rather be us than them right now" (MSNBC).
At 10 pm, FNC calls that Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) has won re-election. TN SEN, MO SEN, and VA SEN remain too close to call. FNC's Hume, on VA SEN: "This race is really tight. ... I think we're going to be here really late [because of MO and TN]".
Sen. Jim Talent (R-MO) expects to address supporters at 8pm local time at his hotel party in St. Louis alongside Sen. Kit Bond (Gannett)
ABC's Gibson, on MO SEN: "This is a race that we think is going to be tight right down to the end."
Sen. Santorum (R-PA), conceding: "Just a few minutes ago, I called the new Senator-elect in Pennsylvania, Bob Casey. ... I congratulate him and I mean that wholeheartedly. ... Give him a round of applause." More: Karen, the kids and I just want to thank God" (MSNBC).
CBS’s Bob Schieffer: “We knew this was going to be a bad night for the Republicans, but it may turn out to be their worst nightmare.”
CNN's J. King, on a possible Santorum WH run: "I think you'll see people talk about that. ... Maybe Rick Santorum could work for four years, reabilitate his image and run for governor."
ABC's Gibson: "To be a Republican in Ohio is to be in trouble."
10:08 pm ET
Rep. Charlie Bass (R-NH 02) is looking in serious trouble against ’04 nominee Paul Hodes (D). He’s trailing 53-45% with 63% of precincts reporting.
10:07 pm ET
Blogometer Update: Early netroot reaction to Sen. Joe Lieberman's (D) victory over cable exec Ned Lamont (D) included disbelief anger and anger, but also plenty of appreciation for Lamont's efforts and what his primary victory meant for Dems nationwide. For a more in depth round up, check out the Blogometer. http://blogometer.nationaljournal.com/
10:05 pm ET
At 10, CNN was able to call UT SEN for Hatch (R).
10:03 pm ET
At 9:55, CNN says AZ has passed an English as official language initiative.
At 9:55 pm, FNC calls Crist (R) in FL GOV. Also, FNC calls that Gov. Mike Rounds (R-SD) has won re-election.
MSNBC calls CT 05 for state Sen. Chris Murphy (D) over Rep. Nancy Johnson (R).
CNN's Greenfield: "What we should mention -- so far not a single Democratic House member has been defeated."
At 9:57 pm, FNC calls that Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-WV 01) has won re-election, despite his "little ethical mini-flap" earlier this year.
Cabs are lined up for a block outside of DNC HQ (ABC).
George Will: "To me it looks fascinatingly normal” (ABC)
Charlie Cook, asked if he still confident of his House predictions: "I'm very comfortable with my 20 number." On his anxiousness: "I'm about to take my shoe off and beat the monitor. Give me numbers. Give me numbers" (MSNBC).
AP reports MO’s 9 U.S. House members are favored to win tonight (AP)
10:02 pm ET
MSNBC is now calling CT 05 for state Sen. Chris Murphy (D) over Rep. Nancy Johnson (R).
10 pm ET
UnionLeader.com has learned that Republican U.S. Rep. Charles Bass is preparing to call Paul Hodes and congratulate the Democrat on his victory. (Union Leader)
9:59 pm ET
Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA 07) looks like a goner… he trails Joe Sestak (D), 56-44% -- with 44% of precincts reporting, all from his home base of Delaware County.
9:58 pm ET
Meanwhile, AP says TV News has covered tonight’s election “gingerly” after past “botched calls on winning candidates.” (AP)
9:55 pm ET
"With or without the support of the president," Crist (R) called for FL GOV by MSNBC at 9:49 pm.
YOUR SLIP IS SHOWING? CNN’s Blitzer seems to have called a loss for Lincoln Cheney.
ABC’s Gibson, on Gov.-elect Deval Patrick (D-MA): “A lot of people thing he will be something of a national power in the Democratic Party.”
Bill Kristol, on MD Gov. Bob Ehrlich's (R) loss: "It is striking to me ... how much being in a blue state is hurting Republicans this year." More: "We have had a nationalized election, and the Republicans who are going down are going down in [blue states]" (FNC).
More Kristol, on Buchanan's win in FL 13: "We thought that was one of the ones most at risk" (FNC). U.S. News' Barone, on FL 13: "This was one in trouble. Jennnings was ahead in the polls, but Buchanan seems to have pulled it out" (FNC).
ABC's Roberts, on what we’re seeing: "What we're seeing is a lot of independents ... saying 'We're going Democratic this year.'" More Roberts, on security moms: "This year, they seem to be breaking even ... instead of going for the Republicans as they did two years ago."
MSNBC's Matthews: "It's a long shot, but if this tsunami rolls westward, Jim Pederson's self-financed campaign could win."
ABC's Gibson is sitting with George Stephanopoulos in front of a wall which seems larger than CNN's "Great Wall."
MSNBC's Matthews, on AP writers: "They deserve to make more money."
9:54 pm ET
Looking for the upset of the night? Look in Columbus, OH – where 79-year-old ex-Rep. Bob Shamansky is running even with Rep. Pat Tiberi (R). With 37% of precincts reporting, Tiberi holds a narrow 51-49% lead over Shamansky. Stay tuned…
9:53 pm ET
THE LINCOLN LOGS:
CNN's Schneider on RI SEN: "62% approval of Lincoln Chafee. An amazing result. They like him. They really like him. They just didn't vote for him."
Newsweek's Fineman, on what helped Whitehouse in RI: "He was a homeboy, too" (MSNBC).
9:52 pm ET
Rep. Clay Shaw (R-FL 22) is looking in trouble. With 29% of precincts reporting, he’s trailing state Sen. Ron Klein (D) 52-46% -- and is down in both counties district-wide so far.
9:50 pm ET
It looks like Vern Buchanan spent his money wisely. The self-funding auto dealer spent over $4million of his own money into FL 13 and was down in polls for much of the fall. But with 96% of precincts reporting, he’s narrowly leading moderate banker Christine Jennings (D), 51-49%.
9:48 pm ET
Dems “got a quick start at the top of state government,” winning 12 of 13 GOV races decided so far (Houston Chronicle email alert).
LOVE ME CHICKEN TENDER: FNC's Baier reports, senior WH aides are saying that the mood at the WH is "generally upbeat." Also, the senior WH staff "just ordered chicken tenders," anticipating a long night (FNC).
ON THE HOUSE: At 9:40 pm, FNC calls that Vern Buchanan (R) has won in FL 13 over Christine Jennings (D).
In PA SEN, 57% of Catholic voters supported Casey (D), 42% for Santorum (R) (MSNBC).
AUDITIONING FOR RATHER’06? ABC's Gibson, on NY SEN: "That has all the surprise of a Doris Day movie."
Richmond Mayor/ex-VA Gov. Douglas Wilder said Deval Patrick’s (D) MA GOV win opens the doors for other black pols (AP). AP
AP’s exit polls show that ¾ of RI voters disapprove of Bush’s job performance, “and a large share of those voters broke for Whitehouse.” Also, voters that identify themselves as “moderates” were leaning toward Whitehouse in “larger numbers” than in Chafee’s last election. Boston.com
Dick Armey: "In the next few weeks, the Republicans are going to have to get together and decide how to show voters they are the conservative party, which the Democrats are pretending to be" (MSNBC)
9:43 pm ET
NHNewslink.com’s Bill Siroty reports: The GOP is in grave danger of losing both the state's congressional seats. While UnionLeader.com is not calling either race at this time, Paul Hodes is in a very strong position against U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley in the 2nd District. Insurgent Carol Shea-Porter has taken Exeter by a thousand votes, lost GOP stronghold Londonderry by fewer than 700 and won Epping, putting her in position for a historic upset over U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley Union Leader
9:42 pm ET
ABC's Gibson, on being sort of amused: "I'm sort of amused that we will have a Whitehouse in the Senate"
9:40 pm ET
At 9:30, mult calls for Whitehouse (D) in RI SEN.
CNN's Greenfield: "Last night at 9:30 p.m. [ex-Pres. Clinton] was campaigning for Whitehouse. That's how nervous Democrats were."
At 9:32 pm, FNC calls that Govs. Jim Doyle (D-WI), Mark Sanford (R-SC), and John Baldacci (D-ME) have won re-election. P.S., Sanford burned his corneas on television lights yesterday (FNC).
FNC also calls that O’Malley has won in MD GOV at 9:33 pm.
Channeling Yoda, ABC's Gibson: "Exciting it will be indeed tonight."
AP reports voting problems in MO, mostly voters not believing their provisional ballots would get counted.
(AP)
ON THE HOUSE: CNN calls IN 02 for Joe Donnelly (D) over Rep. Chris Chocola (R)…
Dick Armey: "It's turning out to be a pretty grim night, huh?" (MSNBC).
9:39 pm ET
FROM THE AFL-CIO BOILER ROOM:
AFT’s Tina Flournoy: “LABOR IS KICKING ASS!!!!” (Hotline sources)
9:38 pm ET
Remember: at a pre-election briefing, NRCC chair Tom Reynolds said that Northup would win – or the GOP would be in for a “long night” if she didn’t. Northup called Yarmuth moments ago to concede. (Hotline sources)
9:36 pm ET
BREAKING: There is an “unprecedented tie” in judge scores for the three contestants on “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC).
9:34 pm ET
From the AFL-CIO boiler room…AFT’s Tina Flournoy: “LABOR IS KICKING ASS!!!!” (Hotline sources)
9:32 pm ET
At 9:27, CNN called Whitehouse (D) for RI SEN. RNC Chair Ken Mehlman: "I think we will hold control of the Senate."
9:30 pm ET
New Senate stands at 45 GOPers, 42 Dems and 2 Indies (MSNBC).
ABC News projects Ben Cardin and Martin O’Malley winning in MD SEN and GOV, respectively (NewsChannel8).
CNN and MSNBC have called KY 03 for Dem John Yarmuth over GOP Rep. Anne Northup, one of the bigger House upsets of the night so far.At 9:25, FNC calls that Reps. Chris Chocola (R-IN 02) and Anne Northup (R-KY 03) have lost re-election.
VA is tight as a tick; still waiting on dozens of precincts in Loudoun and Prince William along with many at VA Beach. Those three localities will decide this race.
House Min. Leader Nancy Pelosi, addressing the audience at the DC Dem HQ: "Are you ready to make history tonight? ... We're on the brink of a Democratic victory" (MSNBC).
Internet hackers have disabled the Albany Times Union’s Web site and blogs. The paper “has broken several stories” about Rep. John Sweeney (R-NY)
(Newsday blog).
No votes were lost, but a PA voter faces felony charges after he "entered an Allentown polling site, signed in and proceeded to smash the screen of one of the electronic voting machines with a metal cat paperweight" this p.m. (Allentown Morning Call)
The controversial DA for the Duke lacrosse case, Mike Nifong, has been re-elected. NBC
CNN has called KY 03 for Dem John Yarmuth over GOP Rep. Anne Northup, one of the bigger House upsets of the night so far.
9:29 pm ET
And at 9:20 pm, FNC calls that Cardin (D) has won MD SEN.
9:28 pm ET
The “Historically Well” Watch: RNC Chair Ken Mehlman, who called the notion of a nat'l trend toward Dems "premature": "There's some evidence in Maryland that Michael Steele did historically well among the African-American community." Mehlman, asked if he's ready to concede the loss of the House or Senate: "Absolutely not. Virginia's very close. Maryland's very close. Missouri looks very close. ... Grab a bag of pretzels, grab a cold one, it's going to be a long evening" (FNC).
9:27 pm ET
Another call for Cardin (D) in MD SEN, from CNN at 9:20.
9:26 pm ET
MSNBC's Corke, reporting from the Steele camp "As you can see, there are still a lot of people unaware of that projection." More: “They’re still hopeful, but perhaps less now.”
At 9:17 pm, MSNBC calls Cardin (D) in MD SEN
9:22 pm ET
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) will do a victory lap tour of NY tomorrow, kicking off a 7 city tour at 7:45am at a fire station in NYC, then stopping in Bohemia, Johnson City, Cheektowaga, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany (release).
John Spencer (R) has agreed to concede NY SEN at 10:15 p.m.; Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) “will pop onto the podium minutes later, the better to make it comfortably (and presidentially) on the 11 o'clock news” (Newsday.com)
NM Gov. Bill Richardson’s running mate, LG Diane Denish “won re-election but lost her voice” (Freenewmexican.com).
Kerry Healey (R) “supporters are taking food from a table that has melons carved into kissing swans; few are buying drinks from” the cash bar which is selling domestic beer for $5.50 (Boston.com).
NBC's Mitchell: "Joe Lieberman is going to align himself, on some issues, with the Republicans" (MSNBC).
9:20 pm ET
CNN also calls CT SEN for Lieberman (I) at 9:12 pm. At 9:14 pm, FNC calls Lieberman.
CNN's Lothian at Lieberman HQ: "They're not yet ready to say victory. They're still waiting for all their numbers to come in."
At 9:10 pm, FNC calls/confirms that Govs. Napolitano (D-AZ), Richardson (D-NM), Freudenthal (D-WY), Perry (R-TX), and Heineman (R-NE) have won re-election. FNC also calls that Spitzer (D) has won in NY GOV, and Strickland (D) has won in OH GOV.
NBC's Gregory: "We're still on the terrain the White House expected." More: "Karl Rove continues feeding President Bush with information." On Lieberman: "I think he'll still caucus with the Democrats. ... But the White House will continue to look for him" (MSNBC).
Judy Baar Topinka’s IL GOV camp issued a statement saying that it is “irresponsible” for AP to call the race while some voters are “still casting ballots” (release).
AP reports Compt. Carole Keeton Strayhorn (I) is trailing both ex-Rep. Chris Bell (D) and Gov. Rick Perry (R), who has 40% of the vote so far. Kinky Friedman has about 10%. (AP)
Hartford Courant's Rennie on CT 05 and Nancy Johnson: The thirteenth time will prove the undoing of Nancy Johnson Early reporting has her losing traditionally Republican areas of her district by wide margins.
9:16 pm ET
9:10 pm: Lieberman (I) declared winner in CT SEN (MSNBC).
At 9:04 pm, MSNBC declared GOV winners: Granholm (D-MI), Spitzer (D-NY), Richardson (D-NM), Napolitano (D-AZ), Heineman (R-NE), Freudenthal (D-WY), Perdue (R-GA) and Henry (D-OK).
Bill Bennett on CNN: "You will see a draft movement for Rick Santorum to run for president of the United States."
ON THE HOUSE: GOPers’ lone reason to smile at this hour? The results in GA are encouraging for their two challengers. In GA 12, ex-Rep. Max Burns (R) narrowly leads Rep. John Barrow (D), 50.4%-49.6% with 29% of precincts reporting. That said, one of Barrow’s strongest counties – Richmond County (Augusta) – has yet to report.
Meanwhile, ex-Rep. Mac Collins (R) is leading Rep. Jim Marshall (D), 52-48% with 41% of precincts reporting. But like in GA 12, Marshall’s stronghold of Bibb County has yet to report results. Also, it looks like we have the first upset of the night. With 96% of precincts reporting, alt-weekly newspaper publisher John Yarmuth has built a 51-48% lead – one that will be hard for Northup to overcome. It looks like we’ll soon say hello to Congressman Yarmuth (D).
DNC Chair Howard Dean, speaking to FNC's Wallace about his projections for the Senate: "We're being very conservative, if I may say so on a conservative station. ... It could come down to Missouri or Montana." Dean, on whether the '06 elections are a vindication of the 50-state strategy: "There's plenty of credit to go around" (FNC).
Bill Kristol: "It looks very likely that control of the Senate could hinge on Montana" (FNC).
CNN reports that fewer than 200 calls were received by the DoJ’s Civil Rights Division hotline in DC today, down from 1,200 in ’04.
Bloomberg’s Allen on Bob Casey’s win: “That is a regular trouncing.”
Hartford Courant columnist Kevin Rennie tells us: The Lieberman camp has a pretty good cross section of votes in (about 9% of precincts). They are winning New Haven and the Naugatuck Valley in particular. They expect a 6-8% point win.
Conflicted, much? Ken Blackwell’s SoS office has ordered all county election boards to keep election results under wraps until 9pm. A Blackwell spokesperson blamed OH Dems. (AP)
9:15 pm ET
GOPers lone reason to smile at this hour? The results in GA are encouraging for their two challengers. In GA 12, ex-Rep. Max Burns (R) narrowly leads Rep. John Barrow (D), 50.4%-49.6% with 29% of precincts reporting. That said, one of Barrow’s strongest counties – Richmond County (Augusta) – has yet to report.
Meanwhile, ex-Rep. Mac Collins (R) is leading Rep. Jim Marshall (D), 52-48% with 41% of precincts reporting. But like in GA 12, Marshall’s stronghold of Bibb County has yet to report results.
Also, it looks like we have the first upset of the night. With 96% of precincts reporting, alt-weekly newspaper publisher John Yarmuth has built a 51-48% lead – one that will be hard for Northup to overcome. It looks like we’ll soon say hello to Congressman Yarmuth (D).
9:10 pm ET
CALLS OF THE WILD
CNN confirms/calls at 9 pm: Casey (D) in PA (CNN's Blitzer: "That's the second pickup for the Dems"); Clinton (D) in NY SEN; Hutchison (R) in TX SEN; Stabenow (D) in MI SEN; Thomas (R) in WY SEN; Klobuchar (D) in MN SEN; Conrad (D) in ND SEN; Bingaman (D) in NM SEN; Nelson (D) in NE SEN; Kohl (D) in WI SEN; and Carper (D) in DE SEN.
At 9 pm, MSNBC declares SEN winners: Clinton (NY), Klobuchar (MN), Stabenow (MI), Nelson (NE), Conrad (ND) Bingaman (NM), Hutchison (TX), Kohl (WI) and Thomas (WY).
And at 9, FNC calls/confirms re-elections for Nelson (NE), HRC (NY), Conrad (ND), Bingaman (NM), Kohl (WI), Thomas (WY), and Hutchison (TX). And FNC calls Klobuchar in MN SEN.
CAN YOU FEEL IT? Bloomberg’s Woodruff: “The balance of power in Washington is already shifting” (Bloomberg, 9 pm).
CBS’s Couric: “A majority of voters are saying the country is on the wrong track.”
CBS calls 135 GOP House seats to 147 for Dems, still with only one net gain for Dems.
And at 9 pm, CBS calls NJ for Menendez (D) and NY for Clinton (D).
BUT ENOUGH ABOUT ME: MSNBC's Scarborough, to MSNBC's Matthews on why he is not biased as Matthews contends: "I have spent the last two years trying to be critical of my party. If you look at my transcripts, I've bashed the Republicans more than Democrats. ... Look at my transcripts night after night. ... Chris, you may play 'Hardball,' but sometimes you play ball a little to the left" (MSNBC).
Not much changing in MS: AP reports GOPers Sen. Lott, Reps. Roger Wicker and Chip Pickering as winners. Dem Reps. Bennie Thompson and Gene Taylor also expected to win.
9:01 pm ET
At almost 9, NBC projects victory for GA Gov. Sonny Perdue(R) .
CNN's Franken, at DeWine's headquarters: "The Mike DeWine results has followed the script the polls have written."
CNN's Greenfield at 8:58 p.m.: "Hillary, Hillary, Hillary -- her presidential campaign stories will begin in about two hours."
9:00 pm ET
AP reports at 8:33 pm that MD Gov. Bob Ehrlich’s (R) camp is “acknowledging it paid for fliers handed out on Election Day, suggesting Ehrlich and Michael Steele are Democrats.”
Enough voters are “punching Foley” for Joe Negron in FL 16 to keep this race highly competitive. With 35% of precincts reporting, Negron holds a 49-48% lead. But the voter-rich and slightly more Dem Palm Beach County has yet to report results, which could jeopardize Negron’s razor-thin lead.
8:59 pm ET
Sec/State Ken Blackwell (R) conceded OH GOV (release).
At 8:53 pm, a Capital One commercial cut off John Mercurio on Bloomberg mid-sentence.
Ex-House Maj. Leader Dick Armey (R) predicts a Dem pickup of “20, 25 seats” (NPR).
An add to the previous O’Malley item: “There’s a nervousness” at Ehrlich campaign HQ (NewsChannel8).
8:55 pm ET
The Detroit Free Press reports both MI Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D) are heading “toward decisive victories.”
DSCC chair Chuck Schumer, standing with Harry Reid: “We really care about taking our country back” (FNC)
By 8:50, several calls for Brown (D) in OH SEN.
Schumer: "We are right now biting our nails about Virginia, which is neck and neck. ... We're not breaking out the champagne bottles yet -- it's going to be a long night" (FNC).
Howard Dean, on bad stuff: “The not so good thing is that there have been some really bad, dirty tricks. … Unfortunately one party always seems to be doing that kind of stuff and we just gotta put a stop to it” (Bloomberg, 8:46).
Here’s a buzz at the Hippodrome,” home to Martin O’Malley’s (D) election night party (NewsChannel8).
8:50 pm ET
George Allen’s rural VA base appears to be keeping him neck and neck with Jim Webb as we await more numbers from vote-rich, close-in suburbs Arlington and Alexandria and exurban Loudoun and Prince William. The latter two have traditionally been GOP territory, but both went for Gov. Tim Kaine (D) last fall.
8:48 pm ET
At 8:41 MSNBC called Brown (D) in OH SEN.
DNC Chair Howard Dean, asked what people will see in Iraq from Dem
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