HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) The outcome of a conservative Kansas House Democrat’s close primary race could depend upon provisional ballots being reviewed by local election officials.
The Reno County Commission was meeting Thursday to certify election results, including those from the 102nd Kansas House District. The seat is now held by veteran Rep. Jan Pauls, a Hutchinson Democrat.
Gay rights advocates have targeted Pauls because she’s backed legislation they believe would nullify local ordinances meant to protect gays and lesbians from discrimination.
In unofficial results, Pauls led her primary opponent, Erich Bishop, also of Hutchinson, by only seven votes, 417 to 410.
But Reno County officials were reviewing 37 provisional ballots. Such ballots are cast when election workers aren’t sure someone is eligible to vote at a particular polling place.
