Democrat Schauer defeats Walberg in hard-fought U.S. House race

Democratic challenger Mark Schauer appeared headed to victory early this morning over incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg in the 7th Congressional District, although Walberg had yet to concede.

Schauer had argued that Walberg was too conservative for the district and failed to accomplish anything during his first term. Walberg countered that Schauer had supported tax increases in the state Legislature and did not reflect the core beliefs of the district.

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Schauer had 48.8 percent and Walberg had 46.5 percent. Two third-party candidates received more than 15,000 votes, or about twice the 7,423-vote difference separating Schauer and Walberg.

As Walberg’s support dwindled, he declined to concede but told supporters that “we’re living with the reality right now that it looks like there will be a new congressman for this district.”

Shauer is the second Democratic challenger to upset a GOP incumbent. In the 9th District Tuesday, Gary Peters defeated 16-year incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg.

"I feel tired but I feel great," Shauer said. "It was a hard-fought campaign, I knew it would be close, but I stuck to my message of trying to help businesses and the people of the 7th District."

The race was an expensive contest, which saw both sides unleash a barrage of negative television advertising.

Shauer is the first Democrat in decades to hold the seat.

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