After Canvassing, Gill Again Claims Victory in Congressional Primary

It's been a close race in the Democratic primary for congress in Illinois' new 13th district. But a campaign spokesman for David Gill says Tuesday's official canvassing of ballots at the county level shows the Bloomington physician is the winner.

"We consider this election to be settled", says spokesman Michael Richards. "David's going to be certified by the State Board of Elections on the 20th when they do their statewide, official vote count."

Richards says that according to their own compilation of official canvasses in 14 counties and the city of Bloomington, Gill defeated Greene County State's Attorney Matt Goetten by 162 votes ... with 15,535 votes for Gill and 15,373 votes for Goetten. That's 19 votes more than the margin reported after the primary. Richards says Gill will now focus on the November election --- and the still unknown Republican candidate. GOP leaders will choose a replacement for retiring Congressman Tim Johnson in a few weeks.

Richards says that once the ballot count is certified, any further challenge to the primary election results would be in court.

Illinois Public Media is trying to reach the Goetten campaign for comment. Following the primary, Goetten's campaign said they would not concede, and were waiting for overseas and contested ballots to be counted.