Scandal-plagued Dem Tierney fends off challenge

Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.) narrowly beat Republican challenger Richard Tisei to claim a ninth term.

The GOP hoped Tisei would pick up a seat in left-leaning Massachusetts. An openly gay Republican, Tisei had the support of Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). 

Tierney was also dogged by a scandal surrounding his family's gambling ring. But according to the Boston Globe, he pulled out a 48-47 percent victory Tuesday night. 

"In the end this was not about our family and it wasn’t about [Tisei's] family. It was about your families," Tierney told supporters. "You owned this. This is your victory."

His win and several retirements make Tierney the third-longest serving member of the Massachusetts delegation to the House.

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