Dem Ben Chandler Likely Winner After Recanvass

Posted November 12, 2010 at 11:57am

Rep. Ben Chandler (D-Ky.) is likely headed back to Congress for another two years after a district-wide recanvass found him ahead by 648 votes — just one vote fewer than the initial tally.

Republican Andy Barr, who requested the recanvass, now has the option of filing a lawsuit to force an official recount, which his campaign would have to finance. A spokesman for the Barr campaign did not immediately return a phone call, but Barr will reportedly give a statement Friday on the results. (Update, 1:35 p.m.: Barr is expected to concede this afternoon, according to a Republican source.)

Chandler thanked voters for their support in a statement released Friday following the updated result.

“Over the next two years I will continue to work hard to create jobs, help our economy recover and make Central Kentucky an even better place to live, work, and raise a family,” he said.

Chandler was running for a fourth full term representing the 6th district, which both Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and President George W. Bush carried with at least 55 percent in the last two presidential elections.