Traverse City Record-Eagle

Michigan

August 4, 2010

Allen accepts 1 vote shortfall; recount looms

By BRIAN McGILLIVARY bmcgillivary@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — State Sen. Jason Allen of Alanson withdrew his claim of victory and accepted an unofficial, single-vote margin that awarded the Republican nomination in the 1st Congressional District to Crystal Falls physician Dan Benishek.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting early Wednesday, The Associated Press’ unofficial vote count had Benishek ahead by 14 votes, while the Secretary of State gave Benishek a single vote lead.

Allen announced victory in a statement released at 1:34 a.m. today, but later said his campaign miscounted some results from the western Upper Peninsula.

“It’s a close race. Man, it’s amazing to see the high voter turnout, the interest in this race is wonderful, and I had certainly hoped we’d get a few more votes.”

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.

Allen said he’ll wait for votes to be certified over the next three days to see if it changes the result. He can’t request a recount until the state Board of Canvassers meets on Aug. 23.

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.

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