US Rep. Barrow loses to GOP challenger in Georgia

SAVANNAH (AP) - After 10 years in Congress, Democratic Rep. John Barrow of Augusta has been defeated by a Republican challenger. <br /> <br /> Unofficial returns Tuesday showed Republican Rick Allen, an Augusta construction company owner, denying Barrow a sixth term in eastern Georgia's 12th District. GOP lawmakers redrew the district after the last U.S. Census to favor Republicans, but Barrow managed to beat the odds in 2012 by winning crossover support from conservative voters. <br /> <br /> Those voters largely rejected Barrow this year after Republicans ran constant ads linking him to President Barack Obama. Barrow openly criticized Obama in his own commercials and touted his endorsement by the National Rifle Association. Outside groups spent $7.3 million on the race.