ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A Democrat has won a special congressional election in New York for a seat held by Republicans for decades. Retired Air Force Capt. Bill Owens has defeated Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in New York's 23rd district. The Republican candidate dropped out last weekend.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Independents who swept Barack Obama to a historic victory last election day have broken big for Republicans a year later. That's as the GOP wrested political control from Democrats in both Virginia and New Jersey. Conservative Bob McDonnell has claimed victory in Virginia. And moderate Chris Christie ousted New Jersey's unpopular governor.

UNDATED (AP) — The close mayoral races in Atlanta and Houston appear to be heading for runoff elections. In Atlanta, a city councilwoman trying to become the city's first white mayor in a generation will likely face off against a black state senator in a runoff next month. In Houston, a former city attorney will face the city controller, who's trying to become Houston's first openly gay mayor.

DENVER (AP) — In a mostly symbolic gesture, a ski town in Colorado has voted overwhelmingly to legalize marijuana. Colorado state law still bans anyone without a medical clearance from possessing pot.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A moderate earthquake has shaken southern Iran, injuring about 270 people. State radio says the 4.9-magnitude quake has cut power and telephone lines in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.