Columbia, SC – In a surprising turn of events, South Carolina Senate candidate Dick Harpootlian has emerged as the winner in District 29 after a recount following the November election. Incumbent Senator Vincent Sheheen, who initially appeared to have won the race, has now lost by a narrow margin of just 114 votes.
Many are questioning the validity of the results, including the losing candidate, Senator Sheheen. Sheheen has filed a protest with the State Election Commission, arguing that there were irregularities in the voting process that may have impacted the outcome of the election.
Sheheen points to discrepancies in the number of absentee ballots cast and questions the handling of mail-in ballots, suggesting that there may have been errors or fraud that influenced the final result. He is calling for a new election to ensure that the will of the voters is accurately reflected.
Harpootlian, on the other hand, has expressed confidence in the election results and believes that the recount accurately reflects the voters’ choice in the district. He has called on Sheheen to accept the outcome and move forward in a spirit of unity and cooperation.
The State Election Commission will now review Sheheen’s protest and determine if there is enough evidence to warrant a new election in District 29. If a new election is called, it would be a rare occurrence in South Carolina politics and could have significant implications for the balance of power in the state Senate.
As the controversy continues to unfold, both candidates are preparing for a potential rematch in what has become one of the most closely contested races in the state. The next steps in this election saga will be closely watched by both sides as they await a final decision from the Election Commission.
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