BILBRAY AND PETERS IN DEAD HEAT

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By Nadin Abbott

Photos by Tom Abbott and Nadin Abbott

November 7, 2012 (San Diego)—Congressman Brian Bilbray’s slim lead has evaporated in the 52nd Congressional District. With over 95% of the vote now counted, Democrat Scott Peters has edged into the lead--first by just 13 votes, and now by 311 votes. 

Brian Bilbray addressed the press around 10:30 last night, thanking his supporters for knocking on doors, calling voters and walking precincts. This was a very hard campaign for the Congressman in the newly redrawn 52nd District, where the once-strong Republican majority is now razor-thin. Democrats have targeted this race nationally, hoping to unseat the incumbent Congressman who has been the brunt of ads critical of his ties to special interests.

Congressman Bilbray said that the race was still in the air, and they did not know how this was going to go. He thanked his family, his wife Karen in particular for supporting him all these years.

Bilbray also told ECM that following  President Barack Obama’s victory, “D.C. has to get as much done in two months as it should have in two years. The Senate needs to move bills (already passed by the House). or pass alternative measures.”  He also quipped that he was glad the campaign was over.

We are ahead at this moment because we had a smart field plan and an incredibly dedicated, energized team of volunteers,” Peters told U-T San Diego early Wednesday. “We heard every day at doors and on the phones that people were ready for a change.”

As of the last check on the San Diego electoral return page, Peters has 100688 votes and 50.08%, while Bilbray has 49.92% and 100367 votes.

With provisional ballots yet to be tallied and a recount possible with such a slim margin, it may be days before a definitive winner can be determined in this race.


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