Republicans retain control of House of Representatives

Republicans have retained control of the House of Representatives, extending their 10-year hold on the chamber.

Republicans also renewed their grip on the US Senate today and reached out for more, capturing Democratic seats across the south.

Democratic leader Tom Daschle faced a strong challenge in South Dakota.

Republican victories in Democratic-held seats in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia assured the party of at least 50 seats in the Senate that convenes on January 3.

Under complicated rules in effect, that assured Republicans of control regardless of the outcome of the presidential election.

A victory by President George Bush would give Vice President Dick Cheney the ability to break tied votes.

A victory by John Kerry would force him to resign his seat in Congress, and give the Republicans a 50-49 advantage until his successor was elected in late spring or summer.

Meanwhile, with more than 81% of the Ohio vote counted, Bush had a lead of more than 4% over Kerry in the state.