Ohio Special Election

I will post current updates on whats happening concerning the special election between Jean Schmidt (R) and Paul Hackett(D) for US House of Representatives.

Update: First exit polls trickling out, turnout high Hackett running strong. Note polls coming from Hackett campaign. After polls close the results will be posted in realtime here.

UpdateII: Ron Brownstein of thethe LA Slimes said just now on CNN that privately Dems are telling him if Hackett can get to 45% of the vote , they will consider it a "huge victory and a sign of Bush's weakening support" One might conclude that they've gotten some exit-polling data thats unfavorable and are trying to scale back expectations.

Update III: Very large turnout, first peek at some exit poll numbers running 55%-45% Schmidt( rural and suburban)....solid GOP source. Appears the reports by the Entrenched media of Republican lethargy were greatly exaggerated.

Update IV: Another site to monitor returns here

Polls closed,raw numbers coming......

DEM - PAUL HACKETT 1629 45.34% REP - JEAN SCHMIDT 1964 54.66% Hamilton cty

JEAN SCHMIDT 1158 0 0 1158 60.60% PAUL HACKETT 750 0 0 750 39.25% Clermont cty.

DEM - PAUL HACKETT 4083 46.38% REP - JEAN SCHMIDT 4720 53.62 Hamilton cty

DEM - PAUL HACKETT 14676 52.00% REP - JEAN SCHMIDT 13549 48.00% Hamilton cty

DEM - PAUL HACKETT 30322 50.45% REP - JEAN SCHMIDT 29776 49.54% Hamilton cty.

US HOUSE Ohio 2nd Dist 580 precincts of 753 reporting (statewide)
JEAN SCHMIDT
45,134
52%
PAUL HACKETT
42,342
48%

IT'S OVER! Schmidt wins 52% -48%