Strib: Bachmann is apparent winner, but recount possible

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/177546431.html

GOP firebrand Rep. Michele Bachmann appeared to squeak out a victory over DFL businessman Jim Graves in a race that is so close it could be heading for a recount.

Early Wednesday, the Associated Press called the race for Bachmann, after she led by slightly more than 1 percentage point with virtually all of the precincts reporting.

Shortly after 5 a.m., Bachmann's campaign declared victory in a news release.

"It has truly been an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Minnesota's Sixth District in Congress, and I am humbled that they have placed their trust in me for another term," she said in the release. "I am extremely grateful to my dedicated volunteers for spending countless hours knocking on doors and making phone calls."

Hours before Bachmann's narrow lead surged to nearly 4,000 votes and AP declared her the winner, Graves had told supporters in St. Cloud: "It looks very much like it'll be a recount."

Around 4 a.m., his campaign tweeted: "Recount very likely. See you in a few hours."

But later Wednesday morning, with 279 of the district's 280 precincts reporting, Bachmann's lead over Graves had ticked up to 50.55 percent to Graves' 49.45 percent. Bachmann led by 3,937 votes out of more than 355,000 votes cast.

That puts the race outside the range for an automatic recount under state law, but Graves could still seek and pay for one.