Dems Hold A Hot Open Seat

Democrat Julia Carson has defeated Republican Virginia Blankenbaker in Indiana's 10th district to hold a crucial open seat for her party. The race had been considered too close to call -- one of seven such Democratic seats at risk.

Also decided: _ Okla. 02: Rep. Tom Coburn (R) defeated State House Speaker Glen Johnson

South Dakota has provided the first party-switch in the House this evening. As expected, Republican John Thune has beaten Democrat Rick Weiland in the seat Democratic Rep. Tim Johnson left open when he went after Larry Pressler's Senate seat.

The next big wave -- 12 states -- have just closed up their polls: Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. No returns yet.

Next up: Idaho, Utah, Iowa, Montana, Nevada at 10 p.m. ET.

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• Ind. 10: African-American Woman Wins For First Time (11/5)