Two Maine recounts for House called off

AUGUSTA – Two candidates for the House of Representatives have withdrawn their ballot recount requests, according to Maine election officials.

Democratic challenger Ruth-Marie Spellman of Brewer pulled her request for a recount in her race against Republican Michael Celli of Brewer. Preliminary results showed Celli was the winner, 2,457 votes to 2,388 votes for Spellman.

Also, incumbent Republican Michael Vaughan withdrew his request for a recount in his race against Democratic challenger David Van Wie of New Gloucester. Preliminary results indicated Van Wie was the winner, 2,797 to 2,712.

Three other recounts are still pending. They involve a state Senate race between incumbent Republican Paula Benoit of Phippsburg and Democratic challenger Seth Goodall, and two Oxford County government offices.