POLITICAL BRIEFING

HOUSE WATCH: Perhaps no state better exemplifies the tumult surrounding congressional races than Georgia. The state’s House delegation, which will total 11 members next year, could undergo a major face lift--three incumbents are retiring and four face troublesome primary races July 21. . . . Much attention is focused on the fate of GOP Whip Newt Gingrich, whose scolding partisan attacks have tormented House Democratic leaders for years. Characteristically, Gingrich fanned the first flames of the House banking scandal. But when a final accounting revealed that he was among those with overdrafts--22 times, in his case--Gingrich found the issue being used against him with a vengeance back home. . . . As of now, he is favored to thwart a challenge from a former GOP state lawmaker. But an upset remains possible, especially since redistricting forced Gingrich to move into an entirely new district.