WASHINGTON — Republicans extended their decade-long hold on the House for another two years, knocking off four veteran Texas Democrats along the way. Among their few setbacks was the defeat of the longest serving GOP member of the chamber, Rep. Phil Crane.
By winning their 218th seat with several more likely to come Republicans were set to control the House for a dozen consecutive years, the first time they have achieved that feat since the 12 years that ended in January 1933. With the GOP also renewing its majority in the Senate, the party was assured of reigning over Congress, though with narrow majorities that should allow Democrats to slow and even derail some Republican initiatives.
Even so, GOP leaders were jubilant.
“We are going to be the majority party in the 109th Congress. I’ve got 218 booked and there’s a lot more around the country that has not been decided yet,” said Rep. Thomas Reynolds, R-N.Y., who heads the House GOP’s campaign operation.
By early morning Wednesday in the East, Republicans had won 218 seats and were leading in 14 others, which could give them at least 232 seats, 14 more than the majority needed for House control. Democrats had 190 seats and led in 10.
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