GOP rookie Cao upsets 9-term Rep. William Jefferson in New Orleans

The Republican Party, devastated by the Nov. 4 loss of the White House and more seats in both houses of Congress, got a shred of good news late Saturday.

Anh Joseph Cao, a little-known 41-year-old community organizer and GOP attorney, knocked off nine-term Democratic Rep. William Jefferson in a stunning upset in Louisiana's Second District to become the first Vietnamese American elected to Congress.

In recent years Jefferson has been fighting scandals and a federal indictment for money laundering, bribery and misusing his congressional office, which he denies. Last year the FBI reported finding $90,000 in marked bills in Jefferson's freezer.

But voters in the heavily black (60%) and Democratic (66%) district that covers much of New Orleans had been loyal to him -- until today, when Louisiana held two House elections delayed in the aftermath of September's Hurricane Gustav.

Cao came to the United States as a child in the 1975 evacuation of Saigon and earned degrees in law, physics and philosophy. His new district has only 11% registered Republicans, but with about 80% of the votes counted, Cao was winning 53-43.

In the Bayou State's other House election Saturday, Republican newcomer John Fleming, a doctor, appeared to hold the seat for the GOP by narrowly defeating Democratid District Attorney Paul Carmouche for the spot held for 20 years by Republican Jim McCrery.

President-elect Barack Obama had recorded a radio ad for Carmouche while Vice President Dick Cheney campaigned for Fleming.

-- Andrew Malcolm

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Photos: Associated Press

Comments

[lee]

It's good to see Asian Americans take office, Dem or GOP.

[WTNY]

It's also good to see a corrupt pol, Dem or GOP, shown the door.

[Chuong Ng.]

This is a good sign for a change regardless Dem. or Rep. person who is elected to Congress. Wish that Mr. Cao will do the best for the community in Louisiana. Be faithful and responsible for public service as a gratefulness towards the Voters. Make Vietnameses be proud of your work.

Congratulation,
Chuong Nguyen.

[allan lengel]

With all the baggage going into the election, it was still somewhat shocking to see the results. allan lengel, editor, ticklethewire.com, the latest news in federal law enforecement

[Tony Andrade]

Republicans are coming back to fight the socialist, same sex marriage and anti-religious Democrat agenda!

[Tom Cleland]

Rahim tips the balance

U. S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
492 of 492 precincts reporting

31,296 = 46.82% William J. Jefferson, D -
1,880 = 2.81% Malik Rahim, G -
548 = .82% Gregory W. Kahn, L -
33,122 = 49.55% Anh "Joseph" Cao, R -

http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov:8090/cgibin/?rqstyp=elcms2&rqsdta=120608

31,296 + 1,880 = 33,176 which would have been enough to beat the Republican, earning Rahim "spoiler" status among critics and showing once again that Greens are so much better on the issues. In this case, the Democrat was indicted on 16 charges related to corruption, including $90,000 cash in his freezer. If voters hadn’t been so stubborn in voting for corruption, they could have voted Green and defeated the Republican. Let this be a lesson to all those who feel that their only choice is to vote corporate.

[Robert Cao]

I am very happy to witness a first vietnamese american to serve in Congress. I wish him luck. I hope that he will be the voice of many asian americans who have been lack of in Cogress. I am proud to be an American for the first time in many years. What I have learned in school and what I always dream of come true. That is freedom and equal opportunity to all american.

[Bill]

Referendum on Obama so far: GOP 3, Zero, well Zero.

Not looking good so far for the chosen one.

[Tyrone]

This is just an example of another nail in the coffin of the Democrat's weak argument about there not being "DIVERSITY" in the Republican Party. Congrats to Mr. Cao, may he have a long and honorable career in congress.