The Democratic newcomer who unseated Florida Congressman Allen West says the incumbent lawmaker’s call for a recount is unfounded. Patrick Murphy’s win against West is a major upset for Republicans. And, West is now refusing to concede defeat, citing disturbing irregularities” and ballots unaccounted for at a couple polls in Florida.
In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, Patrick Murphy declared victory over U.S. Representative Allen West in the Congressional Race for House District 18. West, a Tea Party favorite, is now fighting back by asking a judge for a manual recount for the St. Lucie and Palm Beach County areas. But, Murphy says it won’t hold up:
“Just because he says it, doesn’t mean it’s going to happen," remarked Murphy. "Right now, the focus is that we won this race well beyond the margin. And, he can say whatever he’d like…So, we won, and we’re looking forward.”
And, during a conference call Wednesday about the Democrats' victories from the election, Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Scott Arceneaux says West should just bow out of the race gracefully.
“Patrick Murphy is leading right now by over 2,400 votes," said Arceneaux. "He’s outside the margin for a mandatory recount. There are not any grounds for a recount, and frankly this is a continuation of Allen West refusal to have any grip of reality of what’s going on. Give the people a rest of Allen West for a change.”
Murphy won 50.4-percent of the vote to West’s 49.6-percent of the vote. Murphy is currently leading by .78 percent of the vote, which is not enough for an automatic recount. Meanwhile, the St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections says she is waiting for a decision on whether a judge will grant West’s request for a manual recount.
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