Scandal-plagued Rep. John Tierney loses Democratic primary in Massachusetts

One more incumbent member of the House of Representatives has lost re-election in his party primary this year: John Tierney, the 18-year congressman from Massachusetts' 6th District, was defeated by businessman and Iraq War veteran Seth Moulton.

With 29 percent of precincts reporting, Moulton has 51 percent of the vote, followed by Tierney with 40 percent, and three other candidates splitting the rest. The Associated Press has not yet projected a winner — but the incumbent Tierney has already conceded the race and delivered a speech to his supporters, The Boston Globe reports.

As was noted by The Hill, a Tierney defeat might actually make life easier for Democrats, due to the ethics cloud that has hung over him ever since his brother-in-law's conviction on charges of illegal gambling. Tierney's wife was also implicated in the scandal, and pleaded guilty to tax fraud.

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In the last general election in 2012, Tierney just barely defeated former Republican state Sen. Richard Tisei, 48 percent to 47 percent, saved by the Democratic tide in Massachusetts during a presidential election year.

Tisei is again the Republican nominee for this district, but might have a tougher time even in a midterm election cycle, now that he is facing a Democratic nominee other than John Tierney.