THOMPSON WITHDRAWS RECOUNT

ROLLA -- James L. Thompson, defeated candidate for the Democratic nomination for the 8th District congressional seat, withdrew his petition for a vote recount Monday. Thad Bullock of Cape Girardeau remains the Democratic nominee.

Bullock got 204 more votes than Thompson in the Aug. 4 primary, according to the final state canvass.

Since the margin of victory was less than 1 percent, a recount would have been automatically ordered if the vote was challenged.

That challenge vanished in the Rolla courtroom of Circuit Judge John D. Wiggins Tuesday afternoon. The proceeding, which was attended by Thompson, Bullock and more than 20 county clerks from the 8th District, lasted only a few minutes.

Thompson's attorney at the hearing, Jon Kiser, a Democratic candidate who finished fourth in the Aug. 4 voting, said a recount would keep the nomination in limbo "deep into the election season."

Thompson, a resident of Bourbon, shook hands with Bullock after the proceeding and wished the candidate well.

Bullock was exhilarated about the outcome. "I feel like I won for the second time," he said, also predicting victory in November.

In the November election, Bullock will face incumbent Republican Bill Emerson of Cape Girardeau. Emerson is seeking his seventh term in Congress.