McKinney trailing in Ga. primary

ATLANTA, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Controversial U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney appeared to be headed for defeat late Tuesday in the Democratic primary in Georgia.

With just over half the precincts reporting, former DeKalb County Commissioner Henry Johnson had 58 percent of the vote to 42 percent for McKinney, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said. But his lead was smaller in DeKalb County, where political observers said the race would be decided.

"It looks like we are in for somewhat of a long night," Johnson said. "Part of the vote is in and it shows that we are doing well."

McKinney's Web site alleged problems with voting machines and other irregularities, the newspaper said.

McKinney has strong support from many people in her Atlanta-area district, while others consider her an embarrassment.

Officials say she allegedly got into a tussle with a Capitol police officer who did not recognize her -- she was not wearing the badge that identifies her as a member of the House.

The U.S. attorney's office in Washington investigated, but a grand jury did not return an indictment.