Lanigan Wins Recount by a Single Vote

By Lee Burnett

Embattled State Rep. Lucas Lanigan was declared the winner in House District 141 Thursday following a recount of votes in Augusta.

Republican incumbent Lanigan received 2,478 votes while Democratic challenger Patricia Kidder received 2,477 votes, following a recount of ballots by hand. The two had tied with 2,476 votes each after the Nov. 5 election. The recount included examination of 426 ballots that were left blank, providing room for interpretation that some voters might have indicated their intent with marks that were not initially picked up by optical scanners.

Lanigan turned himself in to authorities on Oct. 28, eight days before Election Day, after a warrant was issued for his arrest on one count of domestic violence aggravated assault. He made his first court appearance two days later.

According to the initial police report, Lanigan’s wife claimed he choked her during an altercation. But during Lanigan’s court appearance, his wife claimed the incident was a misunderstanding. Following state policy, prosecutors said they are not dropping the charge.

The York County Sheriff’s Office said Lanigan posted $3,000 bail the day of his court appearance and was released. He is expected to make another court appearance in March.

Lanigan has shown no intention of resigning from office, and the Secretary of State’s Office said he requested the recount.

In another Sanford-area race, a recount in the District 142 race between incumbent Democrat Anne-Marie Mastraccio and Republican challenger Amy Bell was canceled because Bell withdrew her request, according to the Secretary of State’s office. The vote was 1,938–1,874 in favor of Mastraccio.