TEXANS ELECT DEM, VOTE OUT LEADER OF GOP CONGRESSIONAL CORRUPTION

Democrat Nick Lampson won the bitter race to succeed former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay on Tuesday, overcoming Shelley Sekula-Gibbs' strong write-in effort to save the seat for the Republicans.

Lampson said his victory was indicative of the Democratic Party's return and its cohesiveness. He added that the country deserves and will get a "new direction."

Democrats regained control of the U.S. House for the first time in 12 years.