Recount ordered in West's Fla. House race

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PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Florida elections officials ordered a partial recount to begin Saturday in the race for the House seat held by Rep. Allen West, R-Fla.

The St. Lucie County Canvassing Board decided late Friday to count early-voting ballots cast in the 18th congressional district one more time.

West was trailing by 1,900 votes at last count and had been rebuffed by a judge when he asked for a recount of about 37,000 ballots. The judge said he did not have the authority to order the recount.

The Canvassing Board later decided on a 2-1 vote to take another look just to be certain, the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post reported.

"We have the responsibility to try to restore trust in an elections process that's been shrouded with uncertainty," said board member Todd Mowery.

The Washington Post said Democrat Patrick Murphy's lead over West was just slightly wider than the 0.6-percent margin that would automatically trigger a recount.