Update: Freshman Rep. David Joyce (R) of Ohio fended off a challenge from tea party-backed state Rep. Matt Lynch (R) 55 percent to 45 percent in the May 6 primary for the 14th Congressional District.
Here鈥檚 the background: The race presented a test of former Rep. Steve LaTourette (R) of Ohio, who represented Congressman Joyce鈥檚 district for 10 years. After leaving Congress last year, the moderate Mr. LaTourette launched a "super political action committee," called Defending Main Street, aimed at helping centrist Republicans beat back tea party challengers.
LaTourette鈥檚 super PAC helped Joyce. Mr. Lynch was supported by FreedomWorks, as well as local tea party groups.
Lynch called Joyce a big spender who鈥檚 too close to organized labor. But he took on LaTourette as well. 鈥淟aTourette spent his career passing out goodies through earmarks to northeast Ohio,鈥� Lynch said. LaTourette had suggested that Lynch was part of in the Ohio legislature.
