CONGRESS

Politicians Who Snatched Victory After Defeat -- Pictures

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska

In 2010, Murkowski pulled off one of the more improbable comebacks in recent history. In her reelection bid, she was defeated in the Republican primary by tea party favorite Joe Miller. Undeterred, Murkowski launched a write-in campaign and beat Miller, 39 percent to 35 percent, with Democrat Scott McAdams getting 23 percent.

Updated: August 23, 2011 | 12:31 p.m.
August 23, 2011 | 12:25 p.m.

The road to success--and often, to a seat in Congress--is paved with failure. Here is a look at some of the prominent officeholders who suffered miserable losses at earlier points in their careers, only to rally and win later elections. Text provided by The Almanac of American Politics.

(RELATED: 20 Youngest Members of Congress)

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