Six votes separate House hopefuls

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Mike Dethrow of Alton claimed the Republican nomination for the 153rd District House seat on Tuesday by just six votes.

Dethrow garnered 1,754 votes compared to 1,748 votes for Tim Slayton of Alton for a victory margin of just two-tenths of one percent.

Early returns in race showed Slayton ahead with 204-vote lead. Slayton won four of the five counties covered at least in part by the district -- Butler, Carter, Ripley and Wayne. However, a lopsided 671-63 victory by Dethrow in Oregon County negated Slayton's gains elsewhere.

Dethrow goes on to face Democrat Larry Jackson of Doniphan in November. The 153rd District is currently served by term-limited state Rep. Don Koller, D-Summersville.