2 Longtime Texas Democrats Ousted From Congress

WACO (AP) - Two longtime Texas Democrats were ousted from Congress by Republican newcomers who capitalized on a wave of voter frustration at the federal government and the economy.

Democratic Rep. Chet Edwards of Waco was ousted after 20 years in Congress. Republican Bill Flores, an oil and gas executive who had never run for public office, defeated him yesterday.

Edwards chairs the House Appropriations subcommittee on military construction and veterans affairs.

Rep. Ciro Rodriguez, who's spent 11 years in the House, lost to Republican Francisco Canseco.

And in South Texas, Republican Blake Farenthold -- another political newcomer -- declared victory early today over Democrat Rep. Solomon Ortiz -- though Ortiz did not concede. Farenthold was leading with about 800 votes, with all precincts reporting.

Former sheriff Ortiz has held the seat since it was created in 1982.

One longtime Texas Democrat did manage to edge out a victory. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Austin, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee who was first elected to Congress in 1994, was re-elected.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)