A seven-vote margin didn’t changed for a conservative Hutchinson Democrat after a review of provisional ballots by Reno County election officials.

The county commission Thursday certified election results, including those from the 102nd Kansas House District. The seat is held by Representative Jan Pauls, a Hutchinson Democrat.

Pauls won her primary race over challenger Erich Bishop, also of Hutchinson, 427 votes to 420. The previous count was 417 votes to 410. Amazingly, each candidate picked up 10-votes from provisional ballots, which are cast when election workers aren’t sure someone is eligible to vote at a particular polling place.

Bishop can still seek a recount, however he has until 5 p-m today to do so.

Gay rights advocates have targeted Pauls for supporting legislation they believe would nullify local ordinances protecting gays and lesbians from discrimination.

And, in the other close race, retired Judge Steve Becker will be the representative of the 104th Congressional District after picking 13-more votes, while his opponent picked up 7 more, not enough to change anything. The final total here is 1-thousand, 464-votes for Judge Becker, while Willard’s total is 1-thousand, 407.

Willard is a member of the Kansas State School Board. He told us prior to the election that should he loose, he would continue with that position representing this area.