By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – Republican Bill Alter will keep his Missouri Senate seat, after a recount shows him the winner of a close special election in Jefferson County.
The Secretary of State's office certified results today, following a recount.
Democratic candidate Rick Johnson requested that ballots be counted again after just 66 votes separated the candidates in the April 5th election. A later partial sampling found the margin to be 68 votes.
Friday's recount, however, gave Alter even more votes: Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's office has certified a 72 vote margin between the two men.
Two other men ran as independents: State Representative Harold Selby finished a strong third, followed by former sportscaster "Zip" Rzeppa.
Alter was sworn in last month and has been serving as a senator.