WASHINGTON—A recount will decide the Republican primary runoff pairing in the 12th Congressional District.
Augusta attorney Wright McLeod requested a recount Wednesday after he finished third in a four-candidate July 31 vote, behind state Rep. Lee Anderson of Grovetown and Augusta businessman Rick Allen. McLeod was within 1 percent of Allen -- 584 votes behind — allowing him to ask for a recount.
A spokesman for the Georgia Secretary of State's office said the recount should be completed by noon Thursday.
Allen and McLeod sparred over several issues during the primary campaign, including irregularities in McLeod's campaign finance reports that led to a Federal Election Commission complaint from Allen's campaign.
In an email to supporters Wednesday, McLeod wrote: "I have been overwhelmed by the encouragement that has resonated from supporters throughout the 12th District. Your message has been clear: Don't give up!"
Chip Lake, a Republican strategist working for Allen, said McLeod has "every right" to request a recount, but the Allen campaign is "moving forward" as if he will be in the runoff.
Allen, who owns an Augusta construction company, lent his campaign $250,000 last week, bringing his personal backing to $540,000. Anderson has loaned his campaign $178,000. Both are airing television advertisements.
The runoff vote is Aug. 21. The winner faces U.S. Rep. John Barrow, a four-term Democrat whose district was redrawn last year to lean Republican. Barrow moved from Savannah to Augusta to keep his home in the redrawn 12th.
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