McComish wins for House but second seat too close to call

Republican John McComish sailed to an easy victory Tuesday night, heading back to the capitol for his third term in the State House of Representatives.

But early returns showed that Democrat Rae Waters held a thin 333 vote lead for the second seat, representing Ahwatukee Foothills, Chandler and south Tempe in Legislative District 20. In third place was Republican Jeff Dial, making his second try to represent the district in the Arizona Legislature.

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The results were with hundreds of early ballots still to be counted over the next few days.

In the state senate race, incumbent John Huppenthal was easily reelected with 56 percent of the unofficial results over his challenger Democrat Ted Maish.

In the heated Congressional race Democrat Harry Mitchell appeared to be headed back to Washington, with 53 percent of the unofficial vote against David Schweikert's 43 percent.

"When you are an incumbent you must run on your record," said Mitchell during a victory party in Tempe, "and our work with veterans, alternative emergency and for the economy was important."

Election officials weren't sure of the exact number, but estimated that there were over 100,000 early ballots from all over the county that would need to be verified before counted.