South Dakota Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin is expecting her first child in late December.  In an e-mail to friends and supporters, Herseth Sandlin and husband, former Texas Rep. Max Sandlin, said they were overjoyed to share the news. She said they are looking forward to a "particularly blessed holiday."

Spokesman Russ Levsen confirmed the news, saying the pregnancy will not affect Herseth Sandlin's re-election this year. He said the late December due date works well with the congressional schedule, since the House is not expected to be in session at that time.

Herseth Sandlin, 37, wed Sandlin, a fellow Democrat, in March 2007. Sandlin has four children from a previous marriage.