Razor-Thin Vote Count Leads Two Congressional Candidates To Claim Victory In Michigan House Race

Razor-Thin Vote Count Leads Two Congressional Candidates To Claim Victory In Michigan House Race

AP/Huffington Post - Both Crystal Falls physician Dan Benishek and state Sen. Jason Allen of Alanson are claiming victory in the ultra-tight race for the Republican nomination in the 1st Congressional District.

The Detroit Free Press reports:

According to the Michigan Secretary of State's Web site, political newcomer and Tea Party candidate Dr. Dan Benishek of Crystal Falls led state Sen. Jason Allen of Alanson by a single vote, 27,091-to-27,090. The Associated Press' tally had the difference only a little larger - Benishek led by 12 votes out of some 71,000 cast.

The AP said all precincts had reported; the Secretary of State's office made no such claim.

An earlier AP count had the margin at 102 votes, but a transposition error was found and reduced the difference to 12.

It isn't clear if either will request a re-count. State law allows for re-counts in congressional races as long as a candidate asks for one.

The winner will face Democratic state Rep. Gary McDowell of Rudyard in November to succeed Bart Stupak, an 18-year congressman who decided to retire.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot