GOP challenger Rouzer calls for recount

WILMINGTON, N.C., Nov. 20 (UPI) -- North Carolina state Sen. David Rouzer called for a recount Tuesday in the 7th Congressional District where incumbent Rep. Mike McIntyre has claimed victory.

McIntyre, an eight-term incumbent, claimed victory Friday after the official canvass showed he led Rouzer by 655 votes -- within the 1 percent threshold that would require a publicly funded recount if Rouzer called for one.

"Considering this is the closest congressional race in the country and in light of the irregularity previously found in Bladen County, which significantly reduced the vote margin at that time, I have decided to request a mandatory recount of the votes cast in the 7th Congressional District as allowed by law," Rouzer said in a news release. "In a race this close, accidental human error could easily change the outcome. It is important to ensure that every legal vote cast is properly and accurately counted."

State elections officials have said a recount would be held next week, StarNewsOnline.com reported.

McIntyre, a conservative Democrat, said in claiming victory he will work to reduce the federal deficit and "cut government spending and red tape so small businesses can flourish and we can create more jobs."