Suburban rep. loses to Republican Fox

and Lauren Greenberg Congresswoman Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky lost to Republican opponent Jon Fox last night in an election that restored Republican rule to ultra-conservative Montgomery County, located on the outskirts of Philadelphia. In front of a crowd of devastated supporters, Margolies-Mezvinsky, a University alumna, read an open letter to her 12-year-old son Andrew Mezvinsky, who stood softly sobbing behind her on the podium. "Tonight is no time for tears," she told him. "For the past two years, I missed your soccer games, your slumber parties, your school plays and I know you told me you understand, but I know my absence hurts. "I never wanted to be a congresswoman for myself," Margolies-Mezvinsky continued. "I wanted to be a congresswoman for the children who don't have a voice in Congress." Many supporters said it was precisely because Margolies-Mezvinsky wanted to help others -- and not simply enjoy the perks of being a politician -- that made her an attractive candidate. "What I like about her is she is a hard-working congresswoman -- she's very savvy on the issues," said Montgomery County resident Alice Hoffman. "I think the man she is running against is a schnook." Others at that campaign party agreed, adding that Fox is a "career politician." "When Jon Fox is there, I think he's just going to sit on his big butt in office," said Tanja Ollis, who traveled from Washington, D.C. to support Margolies-Mezvinsky in the election. The idea of Fox replacing the admired congresswoman infuriated many at the party. "I don't know what people want, and why they're going to put top-notch Democrats out of Congress," said Enid Adler, an area attorney. Victor Negran, a 75-year-old "staunch Democrat," said he was proud of Margolies-Mezvinsky for her infamous vote in support of President Clinton's budget. He added that he is surprised young voters were unable to realize why her vote was for "their own good." But earlier in the evening, Rae Slipakoff, another elderly voter, said she expected Margolies-Mezvinsky to win because she had confidence in younger voters to do the right thing. "There are so many young people here," Slipakoff said, referring to the unusual number of college and high school students at the party. "There is nobody more honest than the young voter -- they can see right through." Margolies-Mezvinsky did not hold the lead at any point since the votes began to be tabulated at 8 p.m. She finally conceded just before midnight.