Live, from Washington, it's Tuesday night!

After inserting her ballot in a new voting machine this morning, Jean Schmidt watches her ballot disappear. The Republican congresswoman is in a Republican primary election battle against former US Rep. Bob McEwen. (Photo by Michael E. Keating/The Cincinnati Enquirer)

Cheers went up at U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt's campaign headquarters when she appeared briefly on TV from Washington, predicting victory despite election returns that show a tight race.

"I believe the trend shows we're going to be winning this race," Schmidt said. "I believe we're going to be happy at the end of the evening."

About two dozen supporters gathered around the television to hear their candidate weigh in, though many have been in touch with Schmidt throughout the evening. Her husband, Peter, said she calls in regularly for updates.

Asked if it's difficult for his wife to watch the results from afar, he smiled and nodded.

"She's doing fine," he said. "She's doing pretty good."

-- Dan Horn