Recount expected in central Fla. state House race

Would-be Florida House Speaker Chris Dorworth's deficit grows to 123 votes, recount expected

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Published On: Nov 09 2012 10:27:05 AM EST

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Would-be House Speaker Chris Dorworth's deficit at the polls has grown to 123 votes.

A recount is likely in the central Florida race between the Lake Mary Republican and his Democratic challenger Mike Clelland.

Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Michael Ertel said Friday that 370 provisional ballots counted late Thursday increased Clelland's lead from 37 to 123 votes.

Dorworth had been in line to become speaker in two years, following Rep. Will Weatherford, a Wesley Chapel Republican. Weatherford will assume the speakership on Nov. 20 when lawmakers hold their biennial reorganization session.

Ertel has tentatively scheduled the recount for Sunday if it is ordered, as expected, by Secretary of State Ken Detzner.

Dorworth's departure would create a scramble among Republicans to replace him as speaker-designate.

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