House Update: Here Comes The Dem Pickups

For '06 nominee Larry Kissell (D), the second time was the charm. He knocked off Rep. Robin Hayes (R) in NC-08, defeating the GOPer in a 27% African-American CD. Barack Obama's influence played huge here.

In VA, Fairfax Co. Board of Supervisors Chair Gerry Connolly (D) has been declared the winner by the Washington Post in VA-11. That's an expected pickup for Dems. He led businessman Keith Fimian (R) by a 52-46% margin with 60% of the precincts reporting.

In other expected pickups, Dems nabbed open seats in AZ-01, NY-13 and NY-25.

Meanwhile, the AP pulled its call in VA-05 for Rep. Virgil Goode (R). Atty Tom Perriello (D) has a 700-vote lead with 10 precincts remaining.

Finally, it was our mistake, but there was no call for Mary Jo Kilroy (D) in OH-15. That seat is still too close to call, with Kilroy leading state Sen. Steve Stivers (R) by a 47-45% margin with 71% reporting.

So far, we have a Dem pickup of 7 seats in the House.