5 key Southern house races, still hanging

As the nation fixes its eyes on the Senate outcomes in Virginia and Montana, there are still five U.S. House races in the South hanging in the balance, underscoring the competitive nature of the South in the 2006 elections.

In North Carolina District 8, Democratic challenger Larry Kissell -- the former textile worker and social studies teacher who bragged of not having more than $100 in the bank -- has put up a spirited fight against Republican incumbent Robin Hayes:

Equally stunning was how close grass-roots candidate Larry Kissell ran to wealthy GOP incumbent Robin Hayes in the 8th District. With all precincts reporting, the four-term veteran led by just 468 votes out of more than 120,000 cast, setting the stage for a likely recount.

Hayes is declaring victory, but Kissell won't conceded defeat, saying "This is too good of a story to end tonight."

In Georgia, two Democratic incumbents are holding on to slim leads in races that also haven't been called. In GA 08, incumbent Jim Marshall (D) leads Mac Collins (R) by less than 2,000 votes, 80,194 to 78,207 with 97% of precincts confirmed (a 50.6% to 49.4% margin). (CNN is reporting a similar 80,401 to 78,719 margin with 99% of precincts reporting -- 51% to 49%)

Nearby in GA 12, state statistics show incumbent Rep. John Barrow (D) leading challenger Max Burns (R) 69,360 to 66,186 for a 51.2% to 48.8% margin with 95% of precincts. CNN has it 69,991 to 66,604 with 96% reporting (also 51% to 49%).

The other two House races still up in the air:

* In Louisiana 02, scandal-plagued Rep. William Jefferson (D) is still fending off challenges from a host of Democratic, Republican and other candidates.

* In Texas 23, the votes are still being counted in the challenge to Rep. Henry Bonilla (R) from a field of candidates.