State representatives to decide House race

AUGUSTA – A ballot recount in a close race for a Maine House seat failed Wednesday to confirm a winner, so the race was sent to the newly elected representatives who must decide on a winner.

Three-term Democratic incumbent Rep. Elaine Fuller of Manchester finished the recount one vote behind her Republican challenger, Stanley Moody, also of Manchester. Ten votes remained in dispute, so the matter will be decided by the House, state election officials said.

A second House recount was also under way. Two-term incumbent Rep. Sharon Libby Jones hoped to erase a 28-vote Election Day deficit in her race against Republican challenger Earl Richardson. Both candidates are from Greenville.

Democrats maintain a comfortable 80-67 edge over the Republicans in the House, so recounts are not a threat to tip the balance of power.

Two more House recounts are scheduled for Friday, and another is unscheduled.