Vote totals show McIntyre won in N.C.

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WILMINGTON, N.C., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre has eked out a victory in North Carolina's 7th District, results show, though challenger David Rouzer could seek a recount.

Rouzer, a Republican lost to the eight-term Democratic incumbent by less than 1 percent -- only 655 votes out of more than 336,000 cast. Rouzer's campaign said it would make a statement about the results this week.

"I'm honored that the voters of eastern North Carolina have put their trust in me to represent them in Washington," McIntyre said in a statement Friday night. "I thank them for their confidence and pledge to continue to put their interests first.

"Our country faces many challenges and we need less partisan rhetoric and more cooperation in Washington. I will continue my work to lower the deficit, cut government spending and red tape so small businesses can flourish and we can create more jobs."

StarNewsOnline.com reported McIntyre came out ahead despite Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney taking the state, Republican Pat McCrory winning the governorship and the GOP adding three congressional seats in North Carolina. His district also was redrawn by the Republican-controlled state General Assembly.