NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- A Democrat and a Republican each won a seat in the final two congressional races of the year in Louisiana.
In Saturday's runoffs, Democrat Charlie Melancon narrowly defeated the GOP's Bill Tauzin III, who sought to succeed his father in the 3rd District, and Republican Charles Boustany beat Democrat Willie Mount in the 7th District, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported.
The Democrat's victory in the 3rd District gave the party back a seat it lost eight years ago when the elder Tauzin switched parties. He is retiring after 24 years in Congress.
Republicans won the 7th District currently occupied by Democratic Rep. Chris John, who was defeated Nov. 2 in the state's U.S. Senate race by Republican David Vitter.
The national parties spent nearly $5 million on the two races and Vice President Dick Cheney was in the state last week for two appearances in behalf of the Republican candidates.
