SCARBOROUGH — Rep. Amy Volk, R-Scarborough, said she is “cautiously optimistic” her 18-vote margin of victory Tuesday will hold up.
Volk unofficially won her second term in House District 127, defeating Democrat Paul Aranson, 2,441 to 2,423.
Aranson on Wednesday said he will request a recount.
“It’s the only appropriate thing,” Aranson said. “I don’t think it’s over.”
With the margin of victory less than 2 percent of the total ballots cast in the district covering the eastern section of town, Aranson under Maine election law can ask for the recount without providing a $500 deposit.
He said about 300 ballots cast in the district showed no votes for him or Volk, and should be part of the recount.
Volk said she was surprised by the close vote because her conversations during the campaign indicated voters were pleased with her performance in Augusta.
Aranson said Republican support for Scarborough residents Ruth and Charlie Summers in their respective Maine and U.S. Senate races contributed to the close vote. Ruth Summers ran in Senate District 6, which does not overlap with House District 127, but Aranson noted the Summerses drew more support locally than in other areas.
“I feel great, very nice. I ran a very good campaign, dealt with the issues and tried to distinguish myself,” he said.
If the results hold, Volk said her attempts to boost the economic fortunes of constituents and Maine families will continue, even though Democrats were returned to majority status in both houses of the Legislature.
“I just hope we can focus on creating a better business environment for families to thrive,” she said.
David Harry can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or dharry@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidHarry8.
Sidebar Elements
Rep. Amy Volk, R-Scarborough, greets voters outside Scarborough High School on Tuesday. Volk’s re-election win over Democrat Paul Aranson will be recounted, and she said she was surprised by the close vote because her conversations with voters indicated they were pleased with her work.
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