State
Representative Margaret O’Brien (R-Portage) will officially assume the 20th
Senate District seat, defeating Democrat Representative Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo).
The certified recounted result yielded 36,645 votes for Ms. O’Brien, and 36,584
votes for Mr. McCann, a difference of 61 votes. Representative O’Brien gained
15 votes, Representative McCann gained 13, and Libertarian Lorence Wenke lost
92 votes. The uncovered clerical error in Mr. Wenke’s vote count illustrates
the possibilities for error after the polls close.
Representative
McCann congratulated Representative O’Brien, noting that the error justified
his seeking of a recount. Representative McCann was heavily favored to win on Election
Day, but as the vote tallies slowed Mr. McCann’s lead evaporated. The recount
concludes one of the most dramatic legislative elections in recent history.