No recount in GOP race for Alaska's House seat

JUNEAU, Alaska—Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell said Thursday he will not seek a recount in the GOP primary for Alaska's lone House seat, a race in which longtime incumbent Rep. Don Young defeated him by just 304 votes.

Parnell said he has a high degree of confidence in the Division of Elections, an agency he oversees.

"While a recount could change the outcome of this exceedingly close election -- normal human error being what it is -- such a result is unlikely. As such, I do not believe it justifies an expenditure of taxpayer funds," Parnell said in a statement e-mailed to reporters and confirmed by campaign spokeswoman Cathy Giessel.

The primary was held Aug. 26. Young's narrow victory was sealed when the final outstanding absentee and questioned ballots were counted Wednesday evening. Since the margin between the two was so close, the state would have paid for a recount.

Parnell said another factor in his decision not to seek a recount was GOP presidential candidate John McCain's choice of Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Parnell, who would become governor if Palin becomes vice president, said he has found himself stepping in more for her for official state duties after she joined the campaign trail.

Parnell lost the congressional race despite support from the popular governor and a legal cloud over Young.

Young is under investigation for ties to oil field services company VECO Corp., and has spent more than $1 million from his campaign war chest on legal fees.

Young will face Democrat Ethan Berkowitz, the former state House Minority Leader, in the general election.