There are only two more House races to be held in 2014, and both are Louisiana runoffs taking place in safely GOP open seats. Barring a huge upset, these wins will put Republicans at 247 seats next January. This week, late ballot counting gave Democratic Reps. Ami Bera (CA-07) and Jim Costa (CA-16) victories, and a December recount seems unlikely to overturn Republican Martha McSally's 161-vote lead in AZ-02.
That's not to say that Louisiana's 5th and 6th CDs have been devoid of drama. Republican "Kissing congressman" Vance McAllister's scandal led to his downfall in a year when many other members sporting even more glaring baggage prevailed. And Democratic former Gov. Edwin Edwards's political comeback - as far-fetched as it may be - has made for a memorable race in LA-06.
LA-05: OPEN (McAllister) (R) - Northeast: Monroe, Alexandria Solid Republican. The Robertsons of "Duck Dynasty" fame triumphed in last year's special election by endorsing moderate businessman Vance McAllister, but ever since, they've lost their magic touch. First McAllister invited challengers by being caught on video in an extramarital embrace.
Subscribe Today
Our subscribers have first access to individual race pages for each House, Senate and Governors race, which will include race ratings (each race is rated on a seven-point scale) and a narrative analysis pertaining to that race.