Voters Turn Out House Rep

U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Penn.), an active and influential supporter of public safety, has been defeated in his bid for re-election after a 20-year Congressional career. Weldon was one of Representatives swept out of office, changing the political balance of power among Republicans and Democrats. Weldon sponsored several pieces of key legislation that focused on public safety communications, including the allocation of 24 MHz in the 700 MHz band. Weldon is a former volunteer firefighter and is the senior member of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation. He is vice chair of both the House Homeland Security committee and the Armed Services committee. Weldon was defeated by former Navy admiral Joe Sestak, who also served as director for defense policy in the Clinton administration. At 7 a.m. (EST) Wednesday the vote margin was 56% to 44%.