Black won tight race in House, board says
Wednesday, November 29th, 2006
By Chris Fitzsimon
Jordan yet to concede; some Dems preparing challenge to be speaker
MARK JOHNSON
mjohnson@charlotteobserver.com
RALEIGH - The State Board of Elections certified Jim Black as the winner of another term in the N.C. House of Representatives on Tuesday, deciding that a balloting error did not alter the outcome of the race.
The decision sustains efforts by Black, a Matthews Democrat, to secure another term as speaker of the House while yearlong federal and state investigations linked to his office continue.
The dispute over his election also highlighted the complications created by splitting voting precincts between two state legislative districts. Elections board members expect similar squabbles every election for the foreseeable future.
Black’s Republican opponent, Hal Jordan, did not concede after the board’s decision and could appeal to Wake County Superior Court in Raleigh.
Board members voted 3-0 to declare Black the winner but acknowledged that his 30-vote advantage might not be correct. The result, however, is certain, they said.
"It would be nice to have (an exact total), but we know who the winner is," said Chuck Winfree, a Greensboro lawyer and Republican board member.
Black, 71, has been speaker or co-speaker for eight years. His victory Tuesday could clear the way for him to secure a fifth term as the House leader, making him the longest-serving speaker in state history. But opponents within his own party are already trying to shore up support within the Democratic caucus. (more…)
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