In brief: GOP wins House race in N.Y.

New York – Republicans have scored an upset victory in a House race.

Retired media executive and political novice Bob Turner defeated Democratic state Assemblyman David Weprin in a special election Tuesday to succeed Rep. Anthony Weiner, a seven-term Democrat who resigned in June after a sexting scandal.

The heavily Democratic congressional district, which spans parts of Queens and Brooklyn, had never sent a Republican to the House. But frustration with the continued weak national economy gave Republicans the edge. Turner has vowed to bring business practicality to Washington and push back on spending and taxes.

Mayor: Tar balls from BP spill

Orange Beach, Ala. – A coastal mayor says tests show tar balls washed onto Alabama’s beaches by a recent tropical storm are from last year’s BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said Tuesday the connection was found in preliminary tests performed by Auburn University. Kennon says additional tests will be conducted.

2 confess to Gumby robbery

San Diego – Two 19-year-old men were questioned by San Diego police Tuesday after turning themselves in as suspects in the “Gumby robbery” at a 7-Eleven store.

Jason Kiss confessed to wearing the Gumby costume and his friend Jason Giramma admitted that he was the driver of the getaway car, police said.

Based on the store’s surveillance camera, tipsters identified Giramma as the driver, police said.

The two were not arrested. The case will be sent to the district attorney to decide whether it merits criminal charges or should be classified as a college-style prank.