Iowa's Closest Congressional Race in Nation Tightens Further in Recount

IOWA CITY, Iowa - The tightest congressional race in the country continues to be razor thin.

Johnson County has completed its recount of ballots for the southeastern Iowa seat, with results set to be certified Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Democrat Rita Hart filed for a recount after Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks declared victory when vote totals gave her a 47 vote edge earlier this month.

The secretary of state's website shows Miller-Meeks with a 35 vote lead over Hart as of early Wednesday morning.

Scott, Johnson and Clinton counties have drawn criticism for using machines to recount the large number of absentee ballots in what is otherwise mandated to be a hand count.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has estimated that a complete recount of the race should be complete by mid-December.

Miller-Meeks and Hart are vying to replace U.S. Rep. David Loebsack, a Democrat who is retiring after holding the seat for seven terms.


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