Conn. 05: Maloney Ambushes Incumbent Franks

(AllPolitics, Nov. 5) -- Democrat James Maloney surprised Connecticut Republicans by ousting Rep. Gary Franks from the state's 5th District in their second matchup.

Maloney, a former state senator, charged Franks was an absentee politican and a pocket vote of House Speaker Newt Gingrich. One ad painting Franks as a slumlord depicted a scurrying rat.

Franks, one of two African-American Republicans in Congress, played up his support for local projects and corporations. He made a name for himself within the Congressional Black Congress by opposing racial preferences and backing the conservative agenda.

Maloney took 46 percent of the vote two years ago.