Incumbent behind in Chester County House race seeks recount

    A Republican state House incumbent from suburban Philadelphia isn’t giving up his race for re-election, despite trailing the West Chester mayor after provisional ballots were counted.

    Chester County Rep. Dan Pruitt said Monday he would seek a hand recount in the contest with Democrat Carolyn Comitta.

    Provisional ballots that were opened and counted on Friday increased Comitta’s lead to 25 votes. Truitt had been ahead by 80 votes on election night, but military and absentee ballots propelled Comitta into the lead.

    Republicans expanded majority control of the House last month to at least 121 of the 203 districts. Democrats won at least 81 seats.

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    Truitt says his campaign will put up $1,500 for the hand count. He expects it will take about four days.

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