Collins could win Senate seat without runoff
With 6,543 votes cast in Tuesday’s election, Collins needed to attain 3,272 votes to win outright. She received 10 votes more than required.
However, 40 to 50 Lee County affidavit ballots remain to be counted today, according to Circuit Clerk Joyce Loftin.
“It’s very close to a runoff,” said Saltillo business owner Doug Wright, who earned 1,895 votes – or 29 percent of the ballots. “I’m going to withhold comment until all the votes are in.”
If there is a runoff, it will be Feb. 1.
If additional counts confirm Tuesday’s results, Collins will replace the Senate seat’s previous occupant, U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee, R-Miss., until the term expires at the end of the year. To keep the job, Collins must run again in the August primary and November general election.
“I am humbled and honored by the vote of confidence that District 6 has given me,” Collins said from her election party at The Ice House in downtown Tupelo. “I’ll be at the Circuit Clerk’s Office in the morning to find out the final results.”
Read more: NEMS360.com – Collins could win Senate seat without runoff
NEMS
1/12/11
