May 25, 2013
The trailing Democratic Party candidate for lieutenant governor says she won't seek a statewide recount in hopes the new tally would make up the more than 6,300 votes by which she trails.
Democrat Linda Coleman said Monday extending the campaign would not change the outcome. Coleman said she had called Republican Dan Forest and conceded.
Coleman had until Tuesday to demand a recount in writing because her margin with Forest is less than 10,000 votes out of almost 4.4 million cast.
But the count is neither final nor official. State elections board executive director Gary Bartlett said Monday a counting mistake in Bertie County was caught, likely taking away about 400 Coleman votes.
Bartlett says a statewide recount could cost up to $2.5 million, with counties picking up the tab.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
