55 also-rans try again for House seats

FANWOOD, N.J., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- To 55 Republicans and Democrats, Election Day means another chance at the U.S. House they missed out on in 2006, a USA Today survey indicates.

"One advantage is that the electorate already knows your name," says David Wasserman, House editor of the Cook Political Report."Of course, the main disadvantage is that your opponent can paint you as a sore loser."

One also-ran trying to make the second time around the charm, Democrat Linda Stender, a New Jersey state lawmaker, lost to a Republican incumbent two years ago by fewer than 3,000 votes.

"Last time, I think I spent most of my time trying to convince people that we could win," Stender, 57, said. "Now, people are acting like I've already won."

Ohio Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy came within 1,100 votes in 2006 of beating the incumbent, Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce, who is retiring.

In southern Indiana, Republican Mike Sodrel lost close races to Democrat Rep. Baron Hill in 2002 and 2006, but won the seat in 2004 by less than 1 percentage point. He's trying again.

Several Republicans facing repeat candidates said Democrats may not benefit from a do-over.

"I think it's a disadvantage for him because as people have gotten to know him they don't like him," said Republican Dale Sweetland, 59, who is running in western New York against Democrat Dan Maffei, who lost in 2006.

Florida Democrat Christine Jennings, 62, is running again to unseat Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan. Last time, Jennings came within 400 votes

Robin Weirauch, a Democrat, lost three House races in northwestern Ohio. This year, she's running for county commissioner instead.