MARTINSVILLE, Va., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Democrat Tom Perriello Friday claimed victory over six-term incumbent Republican Rep. Virgil Goode in Virginia's 5th district.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. House Democrats padded their majority by at least 18 more seats, but several races remained too close to call Wednesday.

WASHINGTON, June 4 (UPI) -- A Supreme Court decision on the legality of Washington's gun ban won't affect the firearm rights of members of Congress, says a House staffer.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- A government contractor has agreed to pay $1 million in civil penalties for an illegal contribution reimbursement scheme, the U.S. elections watchdog said.

ROCKY MOUNT, Va., Dec. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., said he will not apologize for criticizing the use of the Koran for swearing in government officials.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. Pentagon is not renewing a contract with a Virginia intelligence company with links to a bribery and campaign finance scandal.

WASHINGTON, April 1 (UPI) -- Waving the Mexican flag at pro-immigration demonstrations in the United States has riled conservative commentators and lawmakers, a report said.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Two Republican congressman are trying to block President George Bush's plan to pay Social Security benefits to Mexicans who have worked in the United States.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Vermont Sen. Jim Jeffords became an important person in the spring of 2001 when he cast his lot with the Democrats. People who had ignored him during his 12 years in the Senate now referred to him glowingly as "a statesman." Jeffords handed control of the