Judge Denies Injunction in Allen West, Patrick Murphy Race

Representatives for the two candidates appeared in court at noon

A Palm Beach County circuit court judge has denied Congressman Allen West's request to impound ballots and voting machines, dealing a blow to his re-election chances.

Judge David F. Crow on Friday decided not to take any legal action in the tight Congressional District 18 race.  He told lawyers he knows that the race between West and his Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy was a “hotly contested matter.” But he said it’s not up to the courts to impose requirements on an election. 

Murphy is slightly ahead of West in unofficial vote tallies, and by enough to avoid an automatic recount. West's campaign says one is necessary anyway due to improprieties at the polls.

West, who filed court motions on Wednesday, told reporters Thursday morning that he's calling for a recount because “it’s important that we make sure that a good and fair election has been done.”

Murphy has declared himself the winner and says he'll be heading to Washington next week for House orientation. His campaign calls West's legal maneuvers "desperate."

”There are some discrepancies up in St. Lucie County,” West said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us