Democrat declared winner in Pa. House race -- by 25 votes
Five weeks after the election, the ultra-tight race for a state House seat in Chester County has been decided. Following challenges to provisional ballots and a recount, West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta, a Democrat, will be the 156th District's new representative, winning by 25 votes over three-term Republican State Rep. Dan Truitt.
Five weeks after the election, the ultra-tight race for a state House seat in Chester County has been decided.
Following challenges to provisional ballots and a recount, West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta, a Democrat, will be the 156th District's new representative, winning by 25 votes over three-term Republican State Rep. Dan Truitt.
County officials finished their recount Friday, and a judge certified the results.
Comitta also was up by 25 votes before the recount, which Truitt requested.
Comitta thanked Truitt for his six years of service.
"When it became clear that I had won, before anything went to the judge, Dan said, 'Carolyn, you won, and I congratulate you,' " Comitta said Friday.
Truitt could not be reached for comment.
Comitta earlier had gone to the county Board of Elections and County Court to challenge the decision by the Department of Voter Services not to count some provisional ballots. She was leading at the time, and argued that every eligible vote should count. A judge ruled that 14 of the ballots should count.
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