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LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — A Republican lawmaker from northern Idaho who was 26 votes short of keeping her seat gained only one vote on her Democratic opponent in a recount.
The Lewiston Tribune (http://bit.ly/1vOxwew) reports that state Rep. Thyra Stevenson had requested the recount because Nez Perce County experienced technical problems tabulating ballots on election night.
Under Idaho law, the race didn't qualify for an automatic recount because the margins were greater than 0.1 percent. Instead, Stevenson paid $3,300, or $100 per precinct plus absentee ballots, for Tuesday's recount in Nez Perce County.
In the end, she was still 25 votes shy of beating Dan Rudolph for the District 6 legislative seat.
Stevenson described the recount as fair and accurate.
"It was a great process. (My supporters) have been really encouraging. They wanted a recount," she said. "Half of the district, which is what that represents, wanted that assurance that their vote wasn't ignored."
Stevenson, who had served one-term in the Idaho Legislature, said she plans on remaining active in rural issues and hasn't rules out running again for office.
The vote Stevenson gained Tuesday was initially counted as an overvote, meaning the voter made marks next to each candidate's name on the ballot. But upon closer inspection, officials were able to determine that the voter's intent was to choose Stevenson.
Rudolph said he and his friends, family members and campaign workers would finally be able to celebrate their narrow victory.
"We feel good," he said. "We're going to have a good party. It was a hard-fought campaign, and we should thank (Stevenson) for her public service. She's a hard worker."
Officials overseeing the recount remained upbeat. Nez Perce County Clerk-Auditor Patty O. Weeks displayed one ballot where the voter filled in every write-in space with the names of "Star Wars" characters, including Darth Vader.
"For the record, both candidates' supporters don't follow instructions," said Deputy Attorney General Michael Gilmore, which caused the small audience observing the recount to laugh.
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Information from: Lewiston Tribune, http://www.lmtribune.com
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