PORTLAND AP — A well-financed Maine GOP candidate unofficially down by 55 votes out of more than 20,000 cast in the 1st Congressional District primary plans to request a recount.
Ande Smith of North Yarmouth made his request Friday afternoon, said Kristen Schulze Muszynski, spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office. There’s no financial cost for requesting a recount in this race because of the narrow margin.
Opponent Mark Holbrook of Brunswick has declared victory. But Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap hasn’t named a winner, as results aren’t official until signed by the governor next month.
The law requires that the recount be held as soon as reasonably possible, said Schulze Muszynski, adding that it will likely be held within the next week or two.
Holbrook says a recount won’t change the margin of victory or the outcome. Smith’s campaign manager Patrick Marvin says a recount will ensure the will of the voters is reflected.
The candidates are competing for a chance to face Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree in November.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less