HAZING THE FRESHMEN:

Republicans pick up 2 more seats in House (Michael A. Memoli, 11/23/10, Chicago Tribune)

Rep. Dan Maffei conceded to Ann Marie Buerkle in New York's 25th Congressional District, acknowledging Tuesday afternoon that although he had narrowed the gap as absentee ballots were counted, he was unlikely to prevail.

With the defeat of Maffei, first elected in 2008, 22 of the chamber's 26 first-term Democrats have lost their seats.

On Monday night, 14-term incumbent Solomon Ortiz conceded to Blake Farenthold in the 27th District of Texas.