Republicans Keep Seats In Special Elections

Republican candidates won two congressional seats in special elections yesterday. The spots, in Ohio and Virginia, were left vacant by the deaths of representatives, both Republicans. They were in districts that have long favored Republicans, but Democrats had hoped that the low turnout typical of special elections would help them score wins.

Republican Bob Latta, a state representative in Ohio, had 57% of the vote with 95%  counted, and 3-time candidate Robin Weirauch conceded defeat. Latta will replace Paul Gillmor in a seat once occupied by Latta's father. First-term Republican state representative Rob Wittman defeated teacher and veteran Philip Forgit 61% to 37% with all votes counted. (More election stories.)