2008 United Kingdom bank rescue package, Participating banks
Darling said in 2018 that the country was hours away from a breakdown of law and order if the Royal Bank of Scotland had not been bailed out and people could not access money.


2008 United Kingdom bank rescue package, Reactions
Paul Krugman, writing in his column for The New York Times, stated that "Mr Brown and Alistair Darling, the Chancellor of the Exchequer have defined the character of the worldwide rescue effort, with other wealthy nations playing catch-up." He also stated that "Luckily for the world economy,... Gordon Brown and his officials are making sense,... And they may have shown us the way through this crisis." Other commentators noted that although the capitalist model should have allowed inefficient businesses to go bust, the banks were "too big to fail".


2008 United Kingdom bank rescue package, Reactions
The British banking bail-out example was closely followed by the rest of Europe, as well as the U.S Government, who on the 14 October 2008 announced a $250bn (£143bn) Capital Purchase Program to buy stakes in a wide variety of banks in an effort to restore confidence in the sector. The money came from the $700bn bail-out package approved by U.S. lawmakers earlier that month.


2008 United Kingdom bank rescue package, Reactions
A wave of international action to address the financial crisis had at last an effect on stock markets around the world. Although shares in the affected banks fell, the Dow Jones went up by more than 900 points, or 11.1 per cent, while London shares also bounced back, with the FTSE100 Index closing more than 8 per cent higher on the 13 October 2008.


2008 United Kingdom bank rescue package, Reactions
The shares in RBS and Lloyds have now started to be sold off. Labour criticised the Conservative government for making a huge loss for taxpayers on the sale of the RBS shares. The government claimed that this will be more than made up for by a profit on the Lloyds shares and that waiting for longer to sell the RBS shares would not necessarily lead to a higher price for them. The loss to the tax payer of the first round of RBS share sell off is stated by the BBC to be £1.07bn compared to when they were sold. Other estimates were that the loss to taxpayers, and a consequent subsidy to private shareholders in the bank, was £2 billion.


2008 United Kingdom budget
The 2008 United Kingdom Budget, officially known as Budget 2008: Stability and opportunity: building a strong, sustainable future, was formally delivered by Alistair Darling in the House of Commons on 12 March 2008. It was the first Budget to be delivered by Darling, who had been appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer the previous June.


2008 United Kingdom budget
Among the changes from the previous year were that taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and high-polluting cars would be increased. Child Benefit would be raised to £20 a week from April 2009; winter fuel payments for pensioners would also be increased. All long-term recipients of Incapacity Benefit would have to attend work capacity programmes from April 2010.


2008 United Kingdom budget
The growth of the national economy was expected to slow down to approximately 2% in 2008, down from 3% in the previous year.


2008 United Kingdom local elections
The 2008 United Kingdom local elections were held on 1 May 2008. These elections took place in 137 English Local Authorities and all Welsh Councils.


2008 United Kingdom local elections
There were also extraordinary elections held for four of the new unitary authorities being created, in Northumberland, County Durham and Cheshire (two councils - Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester). Scheduled elections for Penwith in Cornwall, Shrewsbury and Atcham in Shropshire, Bedford and South Bedfordshire in Bedfordshire and five district councils in Cheshire were cancelled, due to the up-coming unitary authorities being established in those counties.


2008 United Kingdom local elections
The Labour Party finished in 3rd place, trailing the Conservatives by 20%, the largest such margin ever between the two main parties. Aside from the strong showing for David Cameron's Conservatives, Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems each made net gains of over 30 seats and the BNP made 10 net gains to finish with over 30 seats.


2008 United Kingdom local elections
The strong showing for the Conservatives and the disappointing showing by Labour reflected the change in the political mood of Britain at the time, where the Labour government, now led by prime minister Gordon Brown, had suffered a slump in popularity due to the financial crisis and economic fears which were affecting Britain at the time.


2008 United Kingdom local elections, England, Metropolitan boroughs
All 36 English metropolitan borough councils had one third of their seats up for election.


2008 United Kingdom local elections, England, Unitary authorities, Existing councils
In 19 English unitary authorities one third of the council was up for election.


2008 United Kingdom local elections, England, Unitary authorities, New councils
Elections were held in three of the current non-metropolitan counties of Cheshire, County Durham and Northumberland for four new unitary authorities which were established in 2009. These councils were "shadow councils" until then.


2008 United Kingdom local elections, England, District councils, Whole council
In 4 English district authorities the whole council was up for election following ward boundary changes.


2008 United Kingdom local elections, England, District councils, Half of council
In 7 English district authorities, half of the council was up for election.


2008 United Kingdom local elections, England, District councils, Third of council
In 67 English district authorities, a third of the council was up for election.


2008 United Kingdom local elections, Wales
In all 22 Welsh councils the whole of the council was up for election.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference
The 2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference took place at PIF Congress Centre, Poznań International Fair (PIF), in Poznań, Poland, between December 1 and December 12, 2008. Representatives from over 180 countries attended along with observers from intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference
The conference encompassed meetings of several bodies, including the 14th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 14) and the 4th Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (MOP 4 or CMP 4).


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference
Subsidiaries of these bodies also met, including the fourth session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA 4), a resumed session of the Ad HocWorking Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP 6), and the twenty-ninth sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 29), and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 29).


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, History of Climate Change
Since the late 1800s, the surface of the earth has experienced an increase of 0.6 °C in global temperatures. The earth historically has experienced periods of large increases in global temperatures. For example, around 2 million B.C the surface temperature of the earth is estimated to have been 5 °C warmer than today. While these temperatures increased as a result of the natural warming and cooling of the earth, current increases in global temperatures are attributed to increasing amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, History of Climate Change
Greenhouse gases have increased since the late 19th century due to the industrialization of nations worldwide. Examples of greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and hydro-fluorocarbons. While each of these have a significant impact on the effects of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide is considered to be the most important as approximately three-quarters of the human-generated global warming effect may attributed to increased carbon dioxide output .


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, History of Climate Change
The levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases have increased dramatically since the late 19th century. Until the late 1970s, scientists were unable to determine to what degree human behavior contributed to the increase in greenhouse gases. However, since then, scientists have recognized that the Earth is unable to dispose of the increasing levels of carbon dioxide naturally through the carbon cycle. As a result, excessive levels of carbon dioxide trap heat in the earth's atmosphere and cause global warming. The global warming of the earth's surface creates climate change that affects humans in a variety of ways, including: the melting of polar ice caps, increasing sea levels, droughts, storms, and floods.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Previous Climate Change Action
The first World Climate Conference was held by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1979 in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference established that "continued expansion of man's activities on earth may cause significant extended regional and even global changes of climate". The WMO created the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988 to provide a source of "objective information" on global climate change. Then in 1992, 154 nations signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), which aimed to reduce emission levels in industrialized nations.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Previous Climate Change Action
The FCCC is a set of principles and does not legally bind a country to specific standards. Primarily, the FCCC seeks to "establish a set of principles, norms, and goals" amongst nations. In 1997, 159 nations signed the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol carries a legal obligation for nations to uphold specific standards in the reduction of greenhouse gases and emissions. The Kyoto Protocol defines countries as being "Annex 1 parties" or "non-Annex 1 parties". Annex 1 parties are industrialized nations while non-Annex 1 refers to developing nations.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Issues with the FCCC and Kyoto Protocol
The FCCC sought to have nations reduce greenhouse gas emissions to more acceptable levels in 1990. However, the convention did not specify emission targets or create standards that were legally binding. As a result, of the 154 nations that signed the FCCC, only 50 chose to ratify the standards set by the convention. Additionally, the FCCC failed to include emissions resulting from aviation and shipping under the standards set by the convention.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Issues with the FCCC and Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol focuses primarily on the production of greenhouse gases and not the consumption. For example, a nation may import high carbon goods such as steel or aluminum, but still have a relatively low output of greenhouse gases. The Kyoto Protocol places a large amount of pressure on Annex 1 nations to reduce their emissions. Annex 1 nations face harsher goals of emission reduction compared to non-Annex 1 nations. The Kyoto Protocol also establishes carbon emission caps that create strain on industrialized nations and their ability to produce and consume goods.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Focuses of the Conference
Negotiations on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol were the primary focus of the conference. Management of the Adaptation Fund was addressed during the conference and led to a decision granting easier access to the money available in the fund. Delegates from varying countries suggested increasing the levy of 2% on certified emission reductions to 3% in order to provide the fund with additional money that would aid developing countries in establishing protection from natural disasters and droughts. Another important issue addressed was carbon capture and storage - specifically whether it should be implemented as a pilot program or if it should be incorporated as a part of the clean development mechanism.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Focuses of the Conference
The International Atomic Energy Agency presented information regarding the role of nuclear energy in reducing the effect of climate change. Holger Rogner, head of the IAEA´s Planning and Economic Studies Section and lead IAEA delegate at the conference, reasoned in his presentation that use of nuclear power produces fewer green house gases relative to those produced by other sources of fuels, such as fossil fuels. The IAEA introduced their newest publication entitled Climate Change and Nuclear Power 2008 to the delegates in attendance. The book focused on the benefits of nuclear power in climate change mitigation as well as addressing potential fuel supply, safety, and security concerns.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Opposition
At the time of the 2008 United Nations Climate Change conference, over 650 international scientists expressed doubt regarding the claims made about global climate change by scientists representing the UN, who have published papers providing evidence of climate change, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2007 Summary for Policymakers. Arguments exist over how sensitive our climate is to increasing levels of Carbon Dioxide. According to the International Policy Network (IPN), debates exist over Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPNN) claims' on climate change and how realistic these situations are.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Opposition
Canada was singled out as a country that was particularly resistant to making changes regarding climate change at the 2008 conference. In a comparison of countries’ climate change performance, Canada was ranked next to last in developing regulations to decrease its impact on climate change. Canada’s lack of regulations for the Alberta Tar Sands, the largest source of greenhouse gases in the country, brought further criticism to the Canadian government and its lack of greenhouse reduction targets.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Opposition
According to multiple 1998 nationwide polls, the United States public viewed global warming as a "real problem that requires action". In July 1997 the United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 98 that would not ratify any treaty imposing mandatory greenhouse gas reductions without other developed nations imposing the same sanctions, or that would pose serious harm in the economy. Despite a general American concern being expressed over climate change studies show that opinions of American range from citizens believing that climate change is hoax, or "alarmists with extreme perceptions to naysayers".


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Outcomes
Varying opinions about the success of the conference have been expressed by various media publications from a multitude of countries in attendance. The conference mainly focused on planning for what would come at the 2009 conference in Copenhagen. At the conclusion of the conference, delegates from all of the parties in attendance agreed to submit their national reduction targets and measures for 2020 by mid February 2009. Delegates made progress on discussing how to effectively transfer environment-friendly technology to developing countries and concurred that the need to reduce deforestation has reached a level of urgency.


2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Outcomes
COP 14, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - COP14. Poznań. Entrance PIF


2008 United Nations Security Council election
The 2008 United Nations Security Council election was held on 17 October 2008 during the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The elections were held for five non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council for two-year mandates commencing on 1 January 2009.


2008 United Nations Security Council election
In accordance with the Security Council's rotation rules, the ten non-permanent Security Council seats rotate among the regional blocs into which UN member states traditionally divide themselves for voting and representation purposes. All five contests were won on the first ballot. The five available seats were allocated as follows:


2008 United Nations Security Council election
The newly elected five member states served on the Security Council for the 2009–10 period.


2008 United Nations Security Council election, Elected members
Both Mexico and Uganda ran unopposed for their seats within their regional groups, while Japan faced competition in the Asian region from Iran, and Austria and Turkey in the Western European and Others region had opposition from Iceland.


2008 United Nations Security Council election, Elected members
The election of Japan as a member of the Security Council marks the nation's tenth time there, the longest tenure up until then of any nation excluding its permanent members.


2008 United Nations Security Council election, Detailed results
Both Iceland and Iran were contending for spots on the Council. Iceland was considered an unlikely choice for the Western European and Others Group, and its recent financial crisis further hurt its chances.


2008 United Nations Security Council election, Detailed results
Iran lost the Asia seat to Japan. Japan is the second-largest financial contributor to the UN and is thought by many to be a candidate for a permanent Security Council seat. Iran, by contrast, has had Security Council sanctions imposed on it for its nuclear program.


2008 United Nations Security Council election, Detailed results
Voting was by secret ballot. The official UN results showed:


2008 United Soccer Leagues
The 2008 Season is the 22nd edition of the United Soccer Leagues season.


2008 United Soccer Leagues
The season kicked off on Friday, April 12 with two First Division games, as the Charleston Battery visited Miami FC and the Montreal Impact visited the Vancouver Whitecaps.


2008 United Soccer Leagues, Standings, First Division, Awards and All-League Teams
First TeamF: Alex Afonso (Miami FC) (Leading Goalscorer); Macoumba Kandji (Atlanta Silverbacks)M: Osvaldo Alonso (Charleston Battery); Stephen deRoux (Minnesota Thunder); Martin Nash (Vancouver Whitecaps); Jonathan Steele (Puerto Rico Islanders) (MVP)D: Cristian Arrieta (Puerto Rico Islanders) (Defender of the Year); Taylor Graham (Seattle Sounders); David Hayes (Atlanta Silverbacks); Nevio Pizzolitto (Montreal Impact)G: Bill Gaudette (Puerto Rico Islanders) (Goalkeeper of the Year)Coach: Colin Clarke (Puerto Rico Islanders) (Coach of the Year)


2008 United Soccer Leagues, Standings, First Division, Awards and All-League Teams
Second TeamF: Sebastien Le Toux (Seattle Sounders); Eduardo Sebrango (Vancouver Whitecaps)M: Leonardo Di Lorenzo (Montreal Impact); Johnny Menyongar (Rochester Rhinos); Ricardo Sanchez (Minnesota Thunder); Matt Watson (Carolina RailHawks)D: Wesley Charles and Takashi Hirano (Vancouver Whitecaps); Cameron Knowles (Portland Timbers); Scott Palguta (Rochester Rhinos)G: Matt Jordan (Montreal Impact)


2008 United Soccer Leagues, Standings, Second Division, Awards and All-League team
First TeamF: Jorge Herrera (Charlotte Eagles); Boyzzz Khumalo (Pittsburgh Riverhounds); Dustin Swinehart (Charlotte Eagles) (league MVP)M: Mike Burke (Richmond Kickers); Floyd Franks (Cleveland City Stars); Shintaro Harada (Crystal Palace Baltimore)D: Brady Bryant and Steve Shak (Charlotte Eagles); Sascha Gorres (Richmond Kickers); Mark Schulte (Cleveland City Stars) (Defender of the Year)G: Terry Boss (Charlotte Eagles)Coach: Mark Steffens (Charlotte Eagles) (Coach of the Year)Rookie of the Year: Stanley Nyazamba (Richmond Kickers)


2008 United Soccer Leagues, Standings, Second Division, Awards and All-League team
Second TeamF: Gary Brooks (Crystal Palace Baltimore); Sallieu Bundu (Cleveland City Stars); Jeff Deren (Western Mass Pioneers) M: Trey Alexander (Wilmington Hammerheads); Justin Evans (Pittsburgh Riverhounds); Matthew Mbuta (Crystal Palace Baltimore) D: Dustin Bixler (Harrisburg City Islanders); Trevor McEachron (Richmond Kickers); Federico Molinari (Western Mass Pioneers); Dame Walters (Wilmington Hammerheads) G: Ronnie Pascale (Richmond Kickers)


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Alaska
The 2008 congressional election in Alaska was held on November 4, 2008, to determine who will represent the state of Alaska in the United States House of Representatives. Alaska has one seat in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; whoever was elected would serve in the 111th Congress from January 4, 2009, until January 3, 2011. The election coincided with the nationwide presidential election. The primary election was held August 26, 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Alaska, Background
Alaska's at-large congressional district covers the entire state, and has been represented by Republican Don Young since 1973. He was challenged by Democratic nominee Ethan Berkowitz and Alaskan Independence candidate Don Wright.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Alaska, Background
Berkowitz won the Democratic primary against Diane E. Benson and Jake Metcalfe. The Republican primary was so close that Young and Sean Parnell needed to wait for the overseas absentee ballots, which had until September 10, 2008, to arrive and be counted. Young held a narrow lead of 239 votes after counting the other absentee and questioned ballots on September 6, 2008. Final results on September 18 showed Young winning by 304 votes, and Parnell announced that he would not seek a recount.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Alaska, Background
According to the 9/15-17 Research 2000 poll for Daily Kos, Berkowitz led Young in the general election by a 53%–39% margin, with a ±4% margin of error. After the primary, CQ Politics changed its forecast to 'Leans Democratic'. The Cook Political Report ranked it 'Republican Toss Up' and The Rothenberg Political Report rated it 'Democrat Favored'.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Alaska, Background
On November 12, 2008, Young was declared the winner, retaining the seat for his 19th term, despite a strong challenge from Berkowitz. Young was proclaimed winner, getting 50% of the vote compared to Berkowitz's 45%.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Alaska, Results, ADL primary
The "ADL" ballot contained all of the primary candidates for the Alaska Democratic Party, the Alaskan Independence Party, and Libertarian Party of Alaska.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in American Samoa
The United States House of Representatives election in American Samoa took place on November 4, 2008 to elect the delegate from American Samoa's At-large congressional district. The non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives is elected for two-year terms; whoever is elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009 until January 3, 2011. The election coincides with the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Incumbent Eni Faleomavaega was re-elected.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in American Samoa, Candidates
All elections in American Samoa are officially non-partisan, but incumbent Faleomavaega identifies with the Democratic Party and challenger Amata with the Republican Party.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware
The 2008 United States House election in Delaware was held on November 4, 2008 to determine who will represent the state of Delaware in the United States House of Representatives for the 111th Congress, coinciding with the presidential election. The primary election was held on September 9, 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware
Delaware has a single at-large representative in the House of Representatives. Republican incumbent Mike Castle was reelected for an eighth term. As of 2021, this is the last congressional election in Delaware won by a Republican, the last statewide election where a Republican won by a double digit margin, the last statewide race where the Republican won New Castle county and the last time a Republican won a statewide election during a presidential election year.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware, Overview
The state of Delaware is completely contained in a single at-large district. The district had a Cook Partisan Voting Index of D+7 in 2008. Since 1993, the district had been represented by Republican Michael N. Castle.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware, Overview, Primary election
Primary elections in Delaware are closed primaries; that is, only voters who have declared a party affiliation may vote in that party's primary. Three Democrats were on the primary ballot: children's rights advocate and 2006 independent candidate Karen Hartley-Nagle, veterinarian and Vietnam War veteran Jerry Northington, and Michael Miller. Hartley-Nagle was nominated with 55.4 percent of the vote, with turnout at 28 percent. Castle did not face any Republican primary challengers.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware, Overview, General election
In the general election, Republican incumbent Mike Castle was challenged by Democratic nominee Karen Hartley-Nagle and Libertarian Party candidate Mark Anthony Parks. CQ Politics forecasted the race in Delaware's At-large congressional district as 'Safe Republican'. Castle enjoyed a lead throughout the campaign, and ultimately won the election with slightly over 61 percent of the votes cast. Statewide turnout for the election was at 68 percent.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in District of Columbia
The 2008 congressional election for the Delegate from the District of Columbia was held on November 4, 2008. The winner of the race was incumbent Eleanor Holmes Norton (D).


2008 United States House of Representatives election in District of Columbia
The non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives from the District of Columbia is elected for two-year terms. This election coincided with the 2008 U.S. presidential election.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in District of Columbia, Candidates
Incumbent Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, a Democrat, sought re-election for a 10th full term to the United States House of Representatives. She launched her re-election campaign with an announcement at the Eastern Market playground on May 10, 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in District of Columbia, Candidates
Norton was opposed by Green Party candidate Maude Hills and Seth Dellinger, a candidate for the Socialist Workers Party. The incumbent won reelection with over 85% of the vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Guam
The 2008 Congressional election for the Delegate from Guam's At-large congressional district was held on November 4, 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Guam
The non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives from Guam is elected for two-year terms. Incumbent Democrat Madeleine Bordallo ran unopposed and is now serving in the 111th Congress from January 4, 2009, until her term of office expires on January 3, 2011. The election coincided with the 2008 U.S. presidential election.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Montana
The 2008 United States House of Representatives election in Montana took place on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Voters selected a single representative for the At-large District (), who ran on a statewide ballot. Incumbent Representative Denny Rehberg sought re-election; he was originally elected in 2000 with 52% of the vote. He was formerly a Billings area rancher, state legislator (1984–90) and Montana Lieutenant Governor (1991–97).


2008 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota
The 2008 election for North Dakota's at-large congressional district took place on November 4, 2008. The incumbent, Democratic-NPL Congressman Earl Pomeroy, was re-elected to his ninth term. Republican Duane Sand formally announced that he was running on March 20, 2008. He previously challenged Pomeroy in 2004.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota
Initial speculation for a Republican challenger included Governor of North Dakota John Hoeven and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, who were enjoying very high approval ratings throughout their terms of office. State Representative Kim Koppelman and State House Majority Leader Rick Berg ruled themselves out of the running on February 20, 2008, Another possible challenger was Brian Kalk, who decided to run for Public Service Commissioner and was successful in the November election.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota
As of 2021, this is the last time that a Democratic-NPL candidate won North Dakota's House seat.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Northern Mariana Islands
The United States House of Representatives election in the Northern Mariana Islands, 2008 took place on November 4, 2008 and was the Northern Mariana Islands' first election of a delegate to the United States House of Representatives. Since the CNMI traditionally had general elections in odd-numbered years, the November 2008 ballot contained only this office.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Northern Mariana Islands
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands was the most recent United States jurisdiction to receive congressional representation in the United States House of Representatives (in the form of a non-voting delegate).


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Northern Mariana Islands
Gregorio Sablan, who ran as an independent, won the election and became the first Northern Mariana Islands Delegate in Congressional history. He assumed office in January 2009.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Northern Mariana Islands, Election background
The Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 allowed the Northern Mariana Islands to elect its first Delegate in history to the United States House of Representatives and created a new Northern Mariana Islands' At-large congressional district.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Northern Mariana Islands, Election background
Under the 2008 law, the new CNMI delegate was allowed to serve in United States Congressional committees within the House of Representatives and vote on proposed legislation on the committee level. However, as with the delegates from other U.S. territories, the CNMI delegate received limited powers, not being permitted to vote on full legislation on the United States House floor. The new delegate received all of the same allowances, benefits and compensation, including an approximately $170,000 a year salary, as a full member of the House of Representatives.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Northern Mariana Islands, Election background
The new legislation also federalized the islands' immigration and labor controls and policies. The new provisions for United States government control over CNMI immigration policy were opposed by Governor Benigno Fitial, who filed a lawsuit in September 2008 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to halt the takeover. Fitial's suit contended that the immigration takeover by U.S. federal authorities, scheduled for mid-2009, would harm the economy of the Northern Mariana Islands by limiting the number of foreign aliens allowed to work in the territory. The leadership of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate opposed Fitial's lawsuit against the United States government and voted to deny a requested $400,000 in funding for the legal action.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Northern Mariana Islands, Election background
Though legal action was still pending at the time of the election, Governor Benigno Fitial encouraged all registered CNMI voters to cast their ballots for the new delegate on election day.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Northern Mariana Islands, Election background
The deadline for prospective candidates to file to run in the election was August 6, 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Northern Mariana Islands, Election background
The historic first federal election did not attract much attention, in terms of overall voter registration. Less than 13,000 people registered to vote in the lone Congressional election. These voters represented 1/4 of the total CNMI population. This represented a 15 percent drop in the number of registered voters from the 2007 midterm legislative elections.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Northern Mariana Islands, Candidates
To be eligible to run in the 2008 Congressional election, each candidate was required to be a United States citizen, at least 25 years of age, and must have resided in the Northern Mariana Islands for at least seven years before the election. Candidates were also required to be registered CNMI voters on the day of the election (November 4, 2008) and could not seek any other elected office simultaneously.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Northern Mariana Islands, Candidates
The field of nine candidates for the Congressional election consisted of one Republican, one Democrat and seven independents. The nine candidates represented a very diverse mix of professional backgrounds.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Puerto Rico
The election for Resident Commissioner to the United States House of Representatives took place on November 4, 2008, the same day as the larger Puerto Rican general election and the United States general elections, 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Puerto Rico, Background
The incumbent one-term Resident Commissioner (same as non-voting territorial delegate) Luis Fortuño, of the (NPP/R), was retiring from his House seat to run for Governor of Puerto Rico.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Puerto Rico, Background
Pedro Pierluisi (NPP), the former Puerto Rican Secretary of Justice under former Governor Pedro Rosselló, was the favorite to succeed Fortuño over economist Alfredo Salazar (PDP).


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Puerto Rico, Background
Regardless of which of the two men won, the seat would switch from Republican to Democratic hands in January as both candidates would caucuses with the Democrats. However, this seat would not have impacted which party controls the chamber.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in South Dakota
The 2008 United States House of Representatives election in South Dakota took place on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Voters selected a representative for their single At-Large district, who ran on a statewide ballot.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in South Dakota
Democratic incumbent Stephanie Herseth Sandlin was challenged by the Republican nominee, businessman and attorney Chris Lien. Neither candidate was opposed in the June 3, 2008 primary. CQ Politics forecasted this race as 'Safe Democrat'. George W. Bush won in this district 60% to 38% for John Kerry in 2004. As of 2021, this election, along with the simultaneous Senate race, is the last time a Democrat won a statewide election in South Dakota.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in United States Virgin Islands
The 2008 Congressional election for the Delegate from the United States Virgin Islands was held on November 4, 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in United States Virgin Islands
The non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives from the United States Virgin Islands is elected for two-year terms. The winner of the race will serve in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009 until January 3, 2011. The election coincided with the 2008 U.S. presidential election.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in United States Virgin Islands, Candidates
Incumbent U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen announced that she intended to seek a fourth term in the United States House of Representatives. Her announcement of her decision to seek re-election came in a press conference held at her congressional district office in Sunny Isle, United States Virgin Islands, on January 10, 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in United States Virgin Islands, Candidates
Christensen, who has held the seat since 1996, easily won re-election in the previous contest in 2006. She received 66% of the vote in 2006, in contrast to her nearest rival, Warren Mosler, who garnered 29% of the vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in United States Virgin Islands, Candidates
Christensen ran unopposed in the 2008 Congressional election. This all but guaranteed her successful re-election to the House of Representatives. As such, Christensen was re-elected again with over 99% of the popular vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Vermont
The 2008 United States House of Representatives election in Vermont was held on November 4, 2008 and determined who represents the state of Vermont in the United States House of Representatives. Democratic Congressman Peter Welch decided to run for a second term in Congress, and, in an aberration for a freshman member of Congress, encountered no major-party opposition. Welch defeated a series of independent candidates with ease and represented Vermont in the 111th Congress.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming
The 2008 congressional elections in Wyoming was held on November 4, 2008. The election coincided with the 2008 U.S. presidential election, as well as with two United States Senate races.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming
Wyoming has one seat in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Its 2007–2008 congressional delegation consisted of one Republican. That remains unchanged although CQ Politics had forecasted the district to be at some risk for the incumbent party.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming, Campaign
A February 2008 poll showed this race in a dead heat with Democratic nominee Gary Trauner slightly edging Republican nominee Cynthia Lummis 41% to 40%. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Republican'. A mid-May poll by Research 2000/Daily Kos showed Trauner leading Lummis 44-41%. A mid-October poll by the same group showed Trauner leading Lummis 44-43%, with 4% supporting Libertarian W. David Herbert and 9% undecided.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming, Campaign
Six-term Barbara Cubin (R), who held the seat at the time of the election, announced her retirement and didn't run for re-election, making this an open seat. She had beaten her Democratic opponent, Teton County School Board Chairman Gary Trauner, by only 1,012 votes in 2006. She sought reelection in a district – coterminous with the state of Wyoming – that gave George W. Bush an overwhelming victory with 69% of the vote in 2004 but whose governor, Dave Freudenthal (D), was reelected with 70% of the vote in 2006.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming, Campaign
Cubin had been a lightning rod for controversy over a number of incidents that ranged from receiving money from ARMPAC, to distributing penis-shaped cookies to male colleagues while in the Wyoming Legislature, to even an incident after a televised debate in which she remarked that if the Libertarian candidate, Thomas Rankin, who has multiple sclerosis and must use a wheelchair, "weren’t sitting in that chair," she would have slapped him in the face. So few were surprised when Cubin announced that she would retire from Congress as she would have faced both a tough primary and general campaign for an 8th term.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming, Campaign
On the Republican side, Cheyenne substitute teacher Swede Nelson was the first to announce his candidacy for the seat on September 8, 2007. State House Majority Leader Colin M. Simpson, son of former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson, announced he intended to run early in 2007 but later withdrew from the race. Other Republicans running include conservative former state Treasurer Cynthia Lummis, state Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, businessman and rancher Mark Gordon of Buffalo, and retired naval captain and 2006 candidate Bill Winney who had garnered 40 percent of the vote against Cubin in the 2006 primary.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming, Campaign
Nelson and Zwonizter withdrew, with Lummis and Gordon remaining in the field. Lummis had the experience and name recognition and Gordon a massive war chest, $647,768 in self-financing as of June 30, 2008, and early television advertising. After Zwonizter withdrew, Green River physician and Ron Paul backer Mike Holland jumped in the race. Gordon outspent Lummis 4-1 in the primary. After anonymous circulation of two mailings attacking him personally, Gordon became critical of Lummis' campaign and hence aired ads about her past voting record of increasing taxes. Lummis countered with criticism of Gordon's past funding of Democrats Trauner, Governor Dave Freudenthal in 2006, and John F. Kerry for president in 2004. Lummis ultimately won the nomination, 46-37 over Gordon, with Winney obtaining 12 percent and Holland 5 percent.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming, Campaign
Moving on from her win in the primary, Lummis faced the Democrat, Trauner. While Trauner had a tremendous fundraising advantage over Lummis, the race would have likely be decided by who received the most Gordon supporters, and if Trauner gained as much Republican support as he did in 2006. In addition, since the Libertarian Rankin received over 7,500 votes in 2006, while Cubin's margin of victory was only 1,012 votes, support for Herbert and whether he drew more votes away from Lummis or Trauner could have also played a factor.


2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming, Campaign
Trauner's massive war chest from the DNC contributed to his TV ads swamping television across the state, while Lummis had very little money left from her expensive primary battle. Trauner won the key endorsement of Governor Freudenthal, and pushed his ads negatively on Lummis. Lummis countered with her own attack ads, and the National Parties contributed their own attack ads. After a long fight for the open seat, Wyoming voters selected Lummis to succeed Barbara Cubin in Congress.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections
The 2008 United States House of Representatives elections were held on November 4, 2008, to elect members to the United States House of Representatives to serve in the 111th United States Congress from January 3, 2009, until January 3, 2011. It coincided with the election of Barack Obama as President. All 435 voting seats, as well as all 6 non-voting seats, were up for election. The Democratic Party, which won a majority of seats in the 2006 election, expanded its control in 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections
The Republican Party, hoping to regain the majority it lost in the 2006 election or at least expand its congressional membership, lost additional seats. With one exception (Louisiana's 2nd district), the only seats to switch from Democratic to Republican had been Republican-held prior to the 2006 elections. Republicans gained five Democratic seats total, while losing 26 of their own, giving the Democrats a net gain of 21 seats, effectively erasing all gains made by the GOP since 1994.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections
In addition, with the defeat of Republican congressman Chris Shays in Connecticut's 4th district, this became the first time since the 1850s that no Republican represented the New England region. The 10.6% popular vote advantage by the Democrats was the largest by either party since 1982, 26 years earlier. Turnout increased due to the 2008 presidential election. The presidential election, 2008 Senate elections, and 2008 state gubernatorial elections, as well as many other state and local elections, occurred on the same date.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections
As of 2021, this is the last election in which Democrats won congressional seats in Idaho, North Dakota, and South Dakota, the last election in which Democrats won more than one seat in Alabama, and the last election in which Democrats won a majority of seats in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. It is also the last time Republicans won a seat in Delaware.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Composition entering the election
At the end of the 110th Congress (2nd Session), the membership of the U.S. House of Representatives was composed of 235 Democrats, 199 Republicans, and one vacancy.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Special elections
The thirteen special elections to the 110th United States Congress are listed below by election date.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Special elections
In 2008 there were eight special elections for vacant seats in the United States House of Representatives, for the 110th United States Congress. In the special elections, Democrats gained three seats while keeping hold of five seats. Republicans held only one of their four seats.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Retiring incumbents, Democratic incumbents
All six seats held by retiring Democrats were won by Democrats.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Retiring incumbents, Republican incumbents
Twenty-seven Republicans retired. Thirteen of their seats were then won by Democrats (see Open seat gains, below).


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Defeated incumbents, Incumbents defeated in primary election
One Republican lost in a primary and the seat was eventually won by a Democrat. One Democrat lost the primary as did two Republicans. The three primary winners, however, managed to retain the seat for the same party.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Defeated incumbents, Incumbents defeated in general election
Fourteen Republicans and five Democrats lost their general elections, thereby losing their seats to the other party.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Open seat gains
Twelve seats (and one delegate's seat) held by retiring Republicans were won by Democrats. No Democratic retirements were picked up by Republicans.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Predictions
On April 8, 2008, analyst Stuart Rothenberg of The Rothenberg Political Report stated that the fight for the House would be a "one-sided battle, with Democrats having most of the targets." He points to a list of one dozen seats (out of all 435 seats in the House) that are most likely to change hands, of those twelve, ten are open seats, seats which Republicans won by 3% or less in 2006 or otherwise endangered GOP seats.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Predictions
In May 2007, conservative columnist Robert Novak wrote that he believed there were at least a few House seats that were won by Democrats in 2006 "solely because of GOP corruption," and that such seats would be "the most likely to return to the Republican column in 2008". He also said,


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Predictions
a continued sour mood over the Iraq War could produce another massive Republican defeat in 2008 that makes 2006 look tame by comparison. Republicans in Washington generally concede that the continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq by next November could mean disaster for the party.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Predictions
Novak qualified this by saying that in "previous elections, major House gains by either party have always been followed by losses in the next election".


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Predictions
InTrade.com, the only betting site that offered odds on control of the House, put the likelihood of the Democrats retaining control at about 90% as of October 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Predictions
There have been three special elections for open Republican seats, IL-14 (formerly held by Dennis Hastert), LA-06 (formerly held by Richard Baker) and MS-01 (formerly held by Roger Wicker). Democrats won all three elections. After the MS-01 loss, Ron Gunzburger wrote, "GOP insiders in DC now privately acknowledge the Democratic victory in this seat likely foreshadows a dismal general election ahead for congressional Republicans."


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Predictions
The following table rates the competitiveness of selected races from around the country according to noted political analysts. Races not included should be considered safe for the incumbent's party. (Incumbents not running for re-election have parentheses around their name.)


2008 United States House of Representatives elections, Louisiana
Note: In Louisiana's 2nd and 4th districts, primary runoffs were held November 4, 2008 and the general election for both of these races were held December 6, 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama
The 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama were held on November 4, 2008, to determine the representation of the state of Alabama in the United States House of Representatives, coinciding with the presidential and senatorial elections. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected served in the 111th Congress from January 4, 2009, until January 3, 2011.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama
Alabama has seven seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Its 2007–2008 congressional delegation consisted of five Republicans and two Democrats. It is now four Republicans and three Democrats. District 2 changed party (from open Republican to Democratic). As of 2020, this is the last election in which Democrats won more than one congressional district in Alabama.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama, District 1
The Democratic and Republican primaries were not contested, with incumbent representative Jo Bonner winning the Republican party and Thomas Fuller winning the Democratic primary. However, Fuller  withdrew from the race on June 12, 2008, stating he was unable to wage a creditable campaign in the district.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama, District 1, General election
CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'. Bonner won re-election with over 98% of the vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama, District 2
This district covers southeastern Alabama, including Dothan and Montgomery. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'No Clear Favorite'. The Rothenberg Political Report rated it 'Pure Toss-Up'. The Cook Political Report ranked it 'Republican Toss Up'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama, District 2
Republican Terry Everett, who had represented the district since 1993, decided to retire. Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright won the Democratic primary. State Representative Jay Love won the Republican run-off election on July 15 against State Senator Harri Anne Smith (). George W. Bush won 67% in 2004 here. Bright won 50% of the vote to Love's 49%.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama, District 4
The Republican primary was uncontested, and Nick Sparks won against Greg Warren in the Democratic primary.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama, District 5
This district includes the counties of Colbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Jackson, and parts of Morgan. Democratic incumbent Bud Cramer has represented the district since 1990. He did not seek reelection and endorsed State Senator Parker Griffith. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'No Clear Favorite'. The Rothenberg Political Report rated it 'Pure Toss-Up'. The Cook Political Report ranked it 'Democrat Toss Up'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama, District 5
In the June 3, 2008, primary election, there were eight candidates running for the seat. On the Democratic side, State Senator Dr. Parker Griffith defeated physicist David Maker (), carrying 90% of the vote. Wayne Parker won the Republican runoff on July 15 against attorney Cheryl Baswell Guthrie (). In the primary, Wayne Parker had failed to gain the necessary 51% of the vote to avoid the runoff. Guthrie had carried 18% of the vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama, District 5
A year after his election, Griffith switched parties and ran for a second term in the 2010 Republican primary.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona
The 2008 congressional elections in Arizona were held on November 4, 2008, to determine who would represent the state of Arizona in the United States House of Representatives, coinciding with the presidential election. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected would serve in the 111th Congress from January 4, 2009, until January 3, 2011.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona
Arizona had eight seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Its 2007-2008 congressional delegation consisted of four Republicans and four Democrats. Two of the Democrats had taken Republican seats in 2006, and were at risk during the 2008 election. The delegation elected in 2008 consisted of three Republicans and five Democrats: district 1 changed party (from open Republican to Democratic), although CQ Politics had forecast districts 1, 3, 5 and 8 to be at some risk for the incumbent party.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 1
This open seat was contested by Republican Sydney Ann Hay, a mining industry lobbyist; Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick, a former State Representative and prosecutor; Independent Brent Maupin, a Sedona engineer and businessman; and Libertarian Thane Eichenauer. The Cook Political Report ranked this race as 'Likely Democratic,' and  CQ Politics,  the Rothenberg Political Report, and The New York Times all forecast the race as 'Leans Democratic'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 1
This district had been represented by Republican Rick Renzi since 2003. In August 2007, Renzi announced he would not seek re-election, four months after the FBI raided Renzi's family business as part of a federal investigation. Renzi received only 52% of the vote compared to 44% for his Democratic opponent – Sedona civil rights attorney Ellen Simon – in 2006; George W. Bush won 54% of the vote in this northern Arizona district in 2004.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 1
In the Democratic primary, Kirkpatrick won by almost 15 points, against publisher and former Phoenix TV newscaster Mary Kim Titla, mental health advocate Jeffrey Brown and attorney Howard Shanker. (Simon had announced her intention to run again, but then dropped out in May 2007, citing personal reasons.)


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 1
In the Republican primary, Hay, who ran unsuccessfully in 2002, earned a narrower-than-expected victory against Sandra L. B. Livingstone, Tom Hansen and Barry Hall. State Representative Bill Konopnicki, former Navajo County Supervisor Lewis Tenney and State Senator Tom O'Halleran were other potential candidates.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 1
Kirkpatrick earned endorsements from leaders in government, education, tribal communities, first responders, and other groups.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 1
Among those endorsing her were: Governor Janet Napolitano, U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, U.S. Representative Harry Mitchell, the Arizona Education Association, the Arizona Police Association, the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs, the International Association of Firefighters, Navajo County School Superintendent Linda Morrow, county sheriffs in Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Navajo, and Pinal Counties, Coconino County School Superintendent Cecilia Owen, Pinal County School Superintendent Orlenda Roberts, Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, San Carlos Apache Tribal Chairman Wendsler Nosie, White Mountain Apache Tribal Chairman Ronnie Lupe, former Navajo Nation president Dr. Peterson Zah, and many other tribal leaders. The Arizona Republic, the state's largest newspaper, and the White Mountain Independent and the Arizona Daily Sun, two of the most widely read newspapers in the district, also endorsed her candidacy.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 1
Kirkpatrick ran on a platform of tax cuts for 86 million middle-class families, making health care affordable and accessible to all, and encouraging renewable energy projects to end America's dependence on foreign energy and create jobs for rural Arizona. She supports increasing teacher salaries, expanding SCHIP, and adding a division to the army. Kirkpatrick is known as an advocate for early education, Native Americans, and law enforcement. As a member of the Arizona State Legislature, Kirkpatrick was known for her willingness to work across party lines.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 2
This district has been represented by Republican Trent Franks since 2003. In what was essentially a rematch of the previous election, he was challenged by Democrat John Thrasher (), Libertarian Powell Gammill and Green William Crum. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Republican'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 2, Results
Incumbent Trent Franks held on to his seat with almost 60% of the votes.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 3
This district has been represented by Republican John Shadegg since 1995. He was challenged by Democrat Bob Lord (), a tax attorney, and Libertarian Michael Shoen. Running as Independents were Mark Yannone (), Annie Loyd, Steve May and Edwin Winkler. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Republican'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 3
An outspoken conservative, Shadegg has consistently been re-elected in this Republican-leaning district (Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+6) in the northern Phoenix suburbs which gave George W. Bush 57.9 percent of the vote in 2004. However, Lord outraised Shadegg in the first quarter of 2007 and even had more cash on hand compared to Shadegg, which resulted in an unusually competitive race. However, Shadegg's campaign team noted that Shadegg's funds are smaller than expected due to Shadegg donating most of the money in 2006 to fellow Republicans in a last-ditch, albeit lackluster attempt to retain control of Congress.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 3
On February 11, 2008, incumbent Shadegg announced he would not run for an eighth term, saying that he wanted to "seek a new challenge in a different venue to advance the cause of freedom." However, on February 21, Shadegg retracted the statement and announced he would seek re-election. Over 140 Republicans in Congress had signed a letter asking Shadegg to keep his seat. Although it was speculated that he would run for the United States Senate if John McCain were to become president, Shadegg had expressed his intention to leave public life and return to the private sector before changing his mind.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 3
Annie Loyd, running on a platform of "transpartisan politics", has been described by The Arizona Republic as a moderate. Born in South Dakota and a community activist in Los Angeles, Loyd is a 15-year resident of Phoenix. She has also appeared at Columbia University. Shadegg's 2006 opponent, consultant Herb Paine, announced his support for Loyd.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 3
The race was covered in the East Valley Tribune and showed a 27% independent voter population and noted increased registration of independents, in a district of 600,000 people cutting across urban Phoenix into rural parts of northern Maricopa county. The Federal Elections Commission reports that as of December 31, 2007, Shadegg had raised over $1,000,000, Lord over $600,000, and Loyd $26,000. May and Winkler had not reported any fundraising.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 3
This district was previously held by Arizona's junior United States Senator, Republican Jon Kyl.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 3, Results
Incumbent John Shadegg held his seat with about 54% of the votes.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 4
This district has been represented by Democrat Ed Pastor since 1991. He was challenged by Republican Don Karg, Libertarian Joe Cobb and Green Rebecca DeWitt. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 4, Results
Incumbent Ed Pastor held his seat with about 72% of the votes.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 5
This district has been represented by Democrat Harry Mitchell since 2007. Mitchell unseated conservative Republican J.D. Hayworth by 50% to 47% in this Republican-leaning district (Cook PVI: R+4) in the northeastern Phoenix suburbs that gave George W. Bush 54% of the vote in 2004. The largely Republican nature of this district made a tough 2008 race certain, though Mitchell, who has a government complex in Tempe named after him, had won a lot of tough elections in the past. Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert won the Republican primary against Susan Bitter Smith, former State Representative Laura Knaperek, State Representative Mark Anderson, Jim Ogsbury and Lee Gentry. Libertarian Warren Severin  also ran. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Leans Democratic'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 5, Results
Incumbent Harry Mitchell held his seat with about 53% of the votes.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 6
This district has been represented since 2001 by Republican Jeff Flake (), who is perhaps best known for his opposition to pork barrel projects and advocacy for earmark reform since 2001. He was challenged by Democrat Rebecca Schneider () and Libertarian Rick Biondi.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 6
Richard Grayson, an Apache Junction resident who ran as a write-in candidate in Florida's 4th congressional district in 2004, filed with the Federal Election Commission to run for this seat as a Democrat, as did trucking-firm account manager Chris Gramazio. Schneider, a library supervisor from Mesa, also filed and ended up defeating Gramazio in the Democratic primary.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 6
There was no Democratic candidate in this heavily Republican district in 2004 or 2006. George W. Bush won with 64% here in 2004. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 6, Results
Incumbent Jeff Flake held his seat with about 62% of the votes.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 7
This district has been represented by Democrat Raúl Grijalva since 2003. He was challenged by Republican Joseph Sweeney and Libertarian Raymond Patrick Petrulsky. Republican Milton Chewning (), who previously ran for this seat in 2006, lost to Sweeney in the primary. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 7, Results
Incumbent Raúl Grijalva held his seat with about 63% of the votes.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 8
Her challenger was Republican State Senate President Tim Bee. Libertarian Paul Davis and Independent Derek Tidball () also ran. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Democratic'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 8
Giffords defeated conservative Republican Randy Graf by a 54% to 42% margin in 2006. Bush narrowly won here with 52% to 47% for John Kerry in 2004.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 8
Giffords attracted a lot of attention in late May and June due to the shuttle flight of her husband Mark E. Kelly, who served as commander of the space shuttle's STS-124 mission.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 8
Bee's campaign generated state and national press coverage when his campaign co-chair, former Congressman Jim Kolbe, resigned and withdrew his support in early July. Kolbe had held the seat for 22 years until Giffords took office in 2007.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 8
On July 13, The Arizona Republic summarized the race: "Giffords has proved adept at fundraising and is considered a rising star in Democratic circles. But Bee is one of the state's highest-profile political figures and has enlisted the support of some heavy-hitters, including President Bush, the headliner of a Tucson fundraiser planned for later this month." Giffords has the "advantages of incumbency. Plus, Bee is just off a tough legislative term in which he drew heavy criticism for his role in a state budget deal and the referral of an anti-gay-marriage proposal to the November ballot.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 8
Bee remains a popular political figure, and registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than 14,000 in the district." On July 16, The Arizona Republic reported that freshman Congresswoman Giffords "has proved to be the most successful fundraiser among the state's House delegation and now has more than $2 million in her campaign coffers."


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, District breakdown, District 8, Results
Incumbent Gabrielle Giffords held her seat with about 55% of the vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas
The 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas were held on November 4, 2008 to determine who will represent the state of Arkansas in the United States House of Representatives. Arkansas has four seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 4, 2009 until January 3, 2011. The election coincides with the 2008 presidential election.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas
No incumbent was opposed by a candidate from the other major party. The Green Party of Arkansas is the only opponent to the incumbent in most districts. This is the largest number of congressional candidates fielded by an Arkansas party other than the Democratic or Republican parties since the People's Party in 1894. All incumbents were reelected. As of 2021, this is the last election in which Democrats won the House popular vote or the majority of congressional districts in Arkansas.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas, Overview
Note that results from Arkansas's 1st congressional district, where only one Democratic ran, were not reported.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas, District 1
This district covers the northeast part of the state. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas, District 1
Marion Berry won unopposed. The Secretary of State of Arkansas did not report vote totals for the election.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas, District 2
This district covers central Arkansas. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas, District 3
This district covers the northwest corner of the state. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas, District 4
This district is roughly the southwest half of the state. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California
The 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California were held on November 4, 2008 to determine who would represent California various congressional districts in the United States House of Representatives. In the 111th Congress, California has 53 seats in the House, apportioned accordingly after the 2000 United States Census. Representatives are elected to two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009 to January 3, 2011. The election coincides with the United States presidential election as well as other elections in California.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California
According to CQ Politics, the districts considered the most competitive were the 4th and 11th, with the 3rd, 8th, 26th, 46th and 50th as less than safe as well. However, the partisan balance of the state's congressional delegation did not change, despite the strong Democratic dominance during the broader elections.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results
Below are the final official results as reported by the Secretary of State.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 4
On December 2, 2008, Republican Tom McClintock declared victory over Democrat Charlie Brown in the race in the 4th congressional district. Brown conceded his defeat the next day. The race had been so close that it took four weeks of counting all mailed and provisional ballots before McClintock could be assured of victory.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 4
CQ Politics had forecast the race in this traditionally Republican district as 'No Clear Favorite'. Two polls sponsored by Brown showed Brown in the lead; two polls sponsored by McClintock showed McClintock in the lead.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 4
Charlie Brown is a retired Air Force officer who first ran for this seat in 2006, losing to incumbent John Doolittle by three percent of the vote. Brown announced in February 2007 that he would run again in 2008. Doolittle's prospects for reelection suffered because of a federal investigation into his alleged ties to Jack Abramoff. In April 2007, the FBI raided Doolittle's Virginia home. Doolittle denies all wrongdoing, and has not been charged with any crime. On January 10, 2008, Doolittle announced that he would finish his term but not run for re-election.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 4
On March 4, 2008, State Senator Tom McClintock of Thousand Oaks officially launched his campaign for this district at the Placer County Courthouse in Auburn. McClintock received immediate endorsements from local and state Republicans, including State Senator Sam Aanasted, State Assemblyman Ted Gaines, State Assemblyman Rick Keene, Auburn City Councilman Kevin Hanley, Yuba County Supervisor Dan Logue, and Nevada County Supervisor Sue Horne.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 4
Brown was endorsed by Senator Max Cleland, former General Wesley Clark, former Republican Congressman Pete McCloskey, Senator Jim Webb of Virginia, and many veterans' groups including the Veterans' Alliance for Security and Democracy and VoteVets.org.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 4
In the primary election on June 3, 2008, Tom McClintock won the Republican primary with 54% of the vote ahead of Doug Ose, Suzanne Jones, and Theodore Terbolizard, in that order. Other Republican candidates had withdrawn from the race and thus did not appear on the ballot, including Rico Oller, Eric Egland, and Auburn City Councilman Mike Holmes.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 4
Charlie Brown won the Democratic primary with 88% of the vote, ahead of John "Wolf" Wolfgram, who had little financial support.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 8
The eighth congressional district has been represented by Democrat Nancy Pelosi since 1993, when the area was redistricted from the 5th congressional district. Pelosi, who is Speaker of the House, is considered safe for re-election, but Iraq War activist Cindy Sheehan announced that she would consider running against Pelosi if Pelosi did not put in an article of impeachment against President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. She qualified for the ballot as an independent candidate and was endorsed by the Peace and Freedom Party.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 12
California's 12th congressional district is represented by Democrat Jackie Speier. She won a special election months before the general election to replace Tom Lantos, who represented the district from 1981 until his death due to esophageal cancer at the age of 80 in 2008. Lantos had announced that he would not seek re-election due to his declining health. This overwhelmingly Democratic district comprises mainly northern San Mateo County and the Sunset area of San Francisco.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 13
California's 13th congressional district has been represented by Democrat Pete Stark since 1973. Often regarded as the most liberal member of Congress (and its only atheist), Stark ran for re-election and was unopposed for the Democratic nomination. His overwhelmingly Democratic district is centered in the East Bay and includes Hayward.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 24
California's 24th congressional district has been represented by Republican Elton Gallegly since 1987. Although he had claimed that his 2006 campaign would be his last, Gallegly has announced that he intends to seek another term in 2008. Republican State Senator Tom McClintock, who has name statewide recognition from his several statewide campaigns, would have considered the likely frontrunner were there an open seat but moved to an open seat in Northern California's 4th District in 2008. McClintock had been an intra-party rival to Gallegly, who had hoped to have a political ally nominated to succeed him. Bush won 55% here in 2004.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 37
This district has been represented by Democrat Laura Richardson since winning a special election on August 21, 2007 that was called after Democrat Juanita Millender-McDonald died of cancer. The staunchly Democratic district includes Compton, some of south-central Los Angeles and much of Long Beach.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 38
California's 38th congressional district has been represented by Democrat Grace Napolitano since 1999. Napolitano's heavily Democratic east Los Angeles-based district is a largely Hispanic one that includes Montebello, Pico Rivera, La Puente, and part of Norwalk.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 41
California's 41st congressional district has been represented by Republican Jerry Lewis since 1979. Lewis served as the chair of the House Appropriations Committee when Republicans controlled the House. Lewis, who will be 74 in 2008, has come under investigation for connections to the Copeland Lowery lobbying firm. In spite of speculation that he would retire, Lewis announced he would seek reelection on August 31. Bush won 62% here in 2004.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 42
California's 42nd congressional district is one of the most conservative districts in the state, and has been represented by Republican Gary Miller since 1999. Before the election, Miller suffered bad press, with four ex-aides accusing him of conflict-of-interest and using his position to profit from the sale of personal land holdings.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 46
Republican Dana Rohrabacher's district (which includes the Southern Channel Islands, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and parts of Orange County) has been a Republican stronghold in recent years. Huntington Beach mayor Debbie Cook was the (Democratic) challenger.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 47
California's 47th congressional district was represented by Democrat Loretta Sanchez since 1997. Sanchez won 62% of the vote in a district that barely went to George W. Bush with around 50% to 49% in 2004, which could have resulted in an opening for Republicans, who had not recruited a strong candidate in years. This year, Republican Rosie Avila hoped to oust Sanchez. However, Sanchez's district is located in one of the more Democratic areas of Orange County, including Anaheim and Santa Ana, and Al Gore won this district in 2000 by a comfortable margin.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 50
California's 50th congressional district has been represented by Republican Brian Bilbray since 2006. Bilbray won 53% of the vote in a Republican-leaning district north of San Diego that was previously represented by the scandal-plagued Duke Cunningham (R). George W. Bush won 54% here in 2004. Nick Leibham won against Cheryl Ede in the Democratic primary. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Republican'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 51
The congressional district has been held by Bob Filner, who formerly represented the 50th, since its inception following the 1992 redistricting. The district was redrawn following the 2000 Census, creating a gerrymandered district boundary. Democrat incumbent Bob Filner of San Diego is seeking reelection and is being challenged by Republican businessman David Lee Joy of Spring Valley. The Libertarian candidate is musician and software systems engineer Dan "Frodo" Litwin of San Diego.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California, Results, District 52
This race is for an open seat, being vacated by former Republican presidential candidate Duncan Hunter. Both Democrat and Republican candidates are OIF veterans. The Libertarian candidate is 2002 congressional candidate Mike Benoit.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado
The 2008 congressional elections in Colorado were held on November 4, 2008 to determine who will represent the state of Colorado in the United States House of Representatives, coinciding with the presidential and senatorial elections. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected served in the 111th Congress from January 6, 2009 until January 3, 2011.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado
Colorado had seven seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Its 2007-2008 congressional delegation consisted of four Democrats and three Republicans. After the elections, it consisted of five Democrats and two Republicans. District 4 changed party (from Republican to Democratic), which was the only district CQ Politics had forecasted to be at some risk for the incumbent party.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 1
Democratic incumbent Diana DeGette won against Republican nominee George Lilly. DeGette was unopposed in her primary, and Lilly won against Charles Crain in his primary. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 2
Democratic nominee Jared Polis, a businessman, won against Republican nominee Scott Starin, an aerospace engineer. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 2
This district had been represented by Democrat Mark Udall since 1999. With the retirement of Senator Wayne Allard, Udall ran for the Senate, leaving this an open seat. Polis won the Democratic primary against Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald and Colorado Conservation Trust Director Will Shafroth. Starin was unopposed in the Republican primary. Former Eagle County Commissioner Tom Stone was earlier considered a possible Republican candidate, as was Boulder Mayor Mark Ruzzin for the Green Party. Democrats held a strong edge in this district, with the most recent Democratic presidential candidate, John Kerry, having won 59% in 2004, as it was centered around heavily Democratic Boulder.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 3
Democratic incumbent John Salazar won against Republican nominee Wayne Wolf. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 4
Democratic nominee Betsy Markey, businesswoman and regional director for Senator Ken Salazar won against Republican incumbent Marilyn Musgrave), who had represented this district since 2003. Both ran unopposed in the party primary elections. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Democratic'. The Rothenberg Political Report rated it 'Toss-Up/Tilt Democratic'. The Cook Political Report ranked it 'Republican Toss Up'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 4
Musgrave, a conservative known for her staunch opposition to gay marriage, won in 2006 by winning a plurality (46%) of the vote against Angie Paccione (D) and a strong Reform Party challenge from Eric Eidsness, who managed to garner 11% of the vote. That, along with her 51% showing in 2004 despite George W. Bush winning 58% of the vote in this eastern Colorado district that includes the Fort Collins area, made her vulnerable in 2008.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 4
Democrats suffered a setback earlier when State Senator Brandon Schaffer suddenly dropped out, citing his party's failure to clear the field. Eidsness switched parties again, having switched from Republican to Reform Party the year prior, and became a Democrat, which could have fueled a potential rematch with Musgrave in 2008. 2006 nominee Angie Paccione briefly launched a campaign as well, but left the race in September 2007. On October 24, 2008, the National Republican Congressional Committee abandoned Marilyn Musgrave's 2008 reelection campaign, believing the race was lost. This decision was based solely on Musgrave's poor poll numbers.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 4
Musgrave launched a negative advertisement, attacking Markey over the business of Syscom Systems, the data-processing equipment company run by Markey and her husband. The Musgrave ad was called "highly misleading" by a Denver television station that investigated the facts. After her defeat, Musgrave would not comment on the election results with the media, nor would she concede the race or contact Markey to congratulate her. She also did not thank her campaign staff for their efforts. She later recorded a robocall for Republican Georgia senator Saxby Chambliss, saying that she was defeated by "leftist special interests" who "suppressed the truth with vicious attacks and lies."


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 5
Freshman Republican incumbent Doug Lamborn won against Democratic nominee Hal Bidlack, a Clinton administration National Security Council official, and Independent Rich Hand campaign website, running as a write-in candidate. The district is based in heavily Republican Colorado Springs. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 5
Lamborn got bad press when two constituents accused him of making a threatening phone call in response to a critical letter they wrote. He won against Jeff Crank and Bentley Rayburn, more moderate Republicans who had also run in 2006, in the Republican primary. In 2006, Lamborn had narrowly won a nasty multi-candidate primary with 27% of the vote, despite previous representative Joel Hefley's endorsement of Crank, citing Lamborn's "sleazy" campaign.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 5
Crank and Rayburn thus came to a gentleman's agreement - they would jointly conduct a poll of the primary, and whoever of the two of them was in third place would drop out and endorse the other, so as to have a better chance of defeating Lamborn. Rayburn came third in the poll, but he refused to drop out and Lamborn won the primary with 44% of the vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 5
Amid worries of vulnerability, Lamborn then won the general election by a 59%-41% margin, becoming the highest vote getter for a GOP Congressional candidate in the state in the 2006 cycle.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 6
Republican nominee Mike Coffman won against Democratic nominee Hank Eng. CQ Politics, The Cook Political Report and The Rothenberg Political Report all forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican', despite some minor controversies surrounding Mike Coffman and Colorado Ethics Watch.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 6
Eng ran unopposed in the Democratic Primary. Coffman defeated a crowded field of candidates including Ted Harvey, Steve Ward, and Will Armstrong (who was endorsed by the State GOP). Republican incumbent Tom Tancredo, who held the seat since 1999, decided to retire leaving it an open seat. His seat was considered to be the most Republican-dominated district of the Denver-area seats and was also one of the wealthiest in the nation. Tancredo was the second highest vote getter for a Republican congressional candidate statewide (59%-40%) in 2006, just behind Doug Lamborn in the 5th district. The district includes Columbine High School, which was devastated in a tragic 1999 school massacre.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 7
Democratic incumbent Ed Perlmutter, who had represented this district since 2007, won against Republican nominee John W. Lerew. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado, District breakdown, District 7
In 2006, Perlmutter won 55% of the vote in this suburban Denver district that narrowly went to John Kerry with 52% in 2004. The district's voter registration was split, with independents constituting a slim plurality of 35% compared to Democrats (34%) and Republicans (31%).


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut
The 2008 congressional elections in Connecticut were held on November 4, 2008 to determine who will represent the state of Connecticut in the United States House of Representatives, coinciding with the presidential election. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009 until January 3, 2011.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut
Connecticut has five seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Its 2007-2008 congressional delegation consisted of four Democrats and one Republican. In the 2008 elections, District 4 changed from Republican to Democratic, so Connecticut's congressional delegation to the 111th Congress consists of five Democrats, giving Connecticut an all democratic congressional delegation for the 1st time since 1967. Christopher Shays, the Republican incumbent in District 4, had been the last remaining Republican representative in New England. Prior to the election, CQ Politics forecasted districts 2, 4 and 5 to be at some risk for the incumbent party.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 1
This district covers much of central Connecticut and includes municipalities within Hartford, Litchfield, and Middlesex counties. Five-term incumbent John B. Larson faced Republican Joe Visconti and Green Party candidate Stephen E. D. Fournier. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 1, Results
Incumbent John B. Larson retained his seat with over 71 percent of the vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 2
This district covers eastern Connecticut, including New London and Norwich. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Democrat Favored'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 2
In the closest U.S. House race of 2006, Democrat Joe Courtney unseated three-term incumbent Republican Rob Simmons by only 82 votes. Courtney's chance at reelection increased when Simmons decided against a rematch. Former Naval Submarine Base New London base commander Sean Sullivan was the Republican candidate. Third-party challengers included former State Department Of Environmental Protection scientist G. Scott Deshefy for the Green Party and Todd Vachon for the Socialist Party, running as a write-in candidate.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 2, Results
Joe Courtney was reelected with a substantially larger margin than in 2006, winning nearly 66 percent of the vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 3
This district is centered on the city of New Haven and its immediate suburbs. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 3
The district has been represented by Democrat Rosa DeLauro since 1991. Her challengers in this election included Republican Bo Itshaky and Green Ralph Ferrucci.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 3, Results
Rosa DeLauro was easily reelected to a tenth term, receiving over 77 percent of the vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 4
This district includes portions of Fairfield and New Haven counties in southwestern Connecticut. Democratic nominee Jim Himes, a former Goldman Sachs executive, won against Republican incumbent Chris Shays and third-party candidates Richard Duffee, who withdrew from the 2006 race, and Michael Anthony Carrano. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'No Clear Favorite'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 4
Shays won 51% of the vote in 2006 and 52% in 2004 in a district that went to John Kerry with 53% in 2004 (CPVI=D+5). In September, 2007, Shays indicated that if he was not given the top Republican seat on the Governmental Oversight Committee, he would retire. The only Republican House member in New England, he was expected to be a top target of Democrats.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 4
Democrat Himes announced his candidacy in April 2007. 2006 U.S. Senate candidate Ned Lamont was considered a potential candidate, although he lost in this district to incumbent Senator Joe Lieberman, whom Shays had endorsed. Other possible Democratic candidates included state Senators Bob Duff and Andrew MacDonald. Former professional hockey player Mike Richter, once considered a possible candidate, announced that he was not interested in running in 2008. It was thought Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. might try to reclaim his old seat.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 4, Results
Jim Himes defeated incumbent Christopher Shays, receiving slightly more than 51 percent of the vote. With Himes' victory, the Democrats now control all five of Connecticut's House seats, as well as all other House seats in New England.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 5
This district includes all of Northwestern Connecticut, and runs from Meriden and New Britain in Central Connecticut, to Waterbury, the Litchfield Hills, and the Farmington River Valley. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Democratic'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 5
Freshman Democrat Chris Murphy unseated 24-year incumbent Nancy Johnson with 56% of the vote in 2006. Nonetheless, the district is arguably Connecticut's most conservative (CPVI=D+4), and some considered Murphy vulnerable. State Senator David Cappiello was the Republican candidate. Tony Nania also considered a run, but withdrew from consideration for the Republican nomination in May. GOP state chairman Chris Healy dismissed claims that Murphy's large campaign warchest of $420,000 in the first quarter of 2007 may scare off potential challengers, as Cappiello filed as a candidate in April 2007.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 5
National Republicans ran radio ads in the summer of 2007 claiming Murphy has adopted special interest fundraising politics he had claimed to oppose. In addition, Cappiello accused Murphy of missing important votes.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 5
Third-party candidates included Canton attorney Harold Burbank for the Green Party and Watertown resident Tom Winn, running as an independent candidate.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut, District 5, Results
Chris Murphy retained his seat, receiving just under 60 percent of the vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida
The 2008 United States House of Representatives Elections in Florida were held on November 4, 2008 to determine who would represent the state of Florida in the United States House of Representatives. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected served in the 111th Congress from January 4, 2009 until January 3, 2011. The election coincided with the 2008 U.S. presidential election.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida
Florida had twenty-five seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Its delegation to the 110th Congress of 2007-2009 consisted of sixteen Republicans and nine Democrats. In 2008, Districts 8 and 24 changed party from Republican to Democratic, and District 16 changed party from Democratic to Republican. Florida's delegation to the 111th Congress therefore consisted of fifteen Republicans and ten Democrats, a net increase of one Democrat. CQ Politics had forecasted districts 8, 13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 24 and 25 to be at some risk for the incumbent party.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida
The Primary election was held August 26, 2008, with a registration deadline of July 28, 2008. The General election was held November 4, 2008, with a registration deadline of October 6, 2008. Early voting in Florida begins 15 days before an election and ends on the second day before an election. In 2008, early voting ran from October 20 through November 2.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida, Overview
All of the vote totals were copied from the Secretary of State of Florida's Website


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida, Congressional districts, District 1
Republican incumbent Jeff Miller has held this seat since winning a special election in 2001. He was challenged by Democrat Jim Bryan (), a Vietnam War veteran. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida, Congressional districts, District 1, Results
Incumbent Jeff Miller retained his seat with about 70 percent of the vote.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida, Congressional districts, District 2
Democratic incumbent Allen Boyd has held this seat since 1997. Other contestants in this race included Republican challenger Mark Mulligan and write-in candidate Robert Ortiz. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.


2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida, Congressional districts, District 2, Results
Allen Boyd was reelected with slightly under 62 percent of the vote.