Columbia state representative Judy Baker defeats former state House Speaker Steve Gaw for the 9th Congressional District Democratic nomination. Baker’s win was built on strong margins from Columbia and better than expected totals from the rural part of the District. Gaw conceded around 10:50 and called to congratulate her.

Baker focused on bipartisanship and issues such as ending the Iraq War andhealth care. She praised her opponents in the primary for general election preparation and said the Democratic candidates wanted real change. She faces RepublicanBlaine Luetkemeyer in the general election.

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