GOP Rep. Coble Declared Winner in N.C.; Challenger Vows to Appeal

Rep. Howard Coble (R-N.C.) officially won the 6th District House election Friday, but Democratic challenger Robin Britt said he will continue his court battle for a recount.

State election officials forwarded documentation certifying Coble’s victory by 79 votes to the secretary of state’s office. The state Supreme Court on Thursday rejected Britt’s motion to delay the certification until his lawsuit is resolved.

The certification removes the final obstacle to Coble’s taking his seat when the 100th Congress convenes Jan. 6, unless another House member challenges the certification. In that case, the predominantly Democratic House would vote on whether to admit Coble.

Britt said Friday he would not ask the House to deny Coble his seat, but added: “I think it is important to pursue an appeal for a recount in the state (court) system.”

No trial date has been set for Britt’s suit, which is pending in Wake County Superior Court.

Meanwhile, in Breckenridge, Minn., Democratic candidate Collin Peterson in the 7th Congressional District said he dropped his recount lawsuit to oust incumbent Republican Rep. Arlan Strangeland.

Peterson’s attorney said he sought dismissal of the lawsuit because the challenged ballots remaining were fewer than the actual vote margin.

In Indiana, a recount is continuing in the 3rd Congressional District race, which was decided by a 66-vote margin, and is not expected to be completed until next month. Thomas W. Ward, a Democrat, requested a recount in his contest with the incumbent Republican, Rep. John Hiler.