UPDATE: Monday, August 20, 2012

A recount in Reno County has confirmed a conservative Kansas House Democrat's narrow victory in the state's primary election.

Rep. Jan Pauls, of Hutchinson, even picked up a vote Monday against challenger Erich Bishop, also from Hutchinson. The hand recount of votes in the 102nd House District had Pauls winning, 428-420.

Her margin of victory previously had been seven votes. Bishop sought the recount.

Pauls' race was notable because gay rights advocates have targeted her for defeat, and Bishop has been active in the Kansas Equality Coalition, the state's leading gay-rights group.

Pauls has strongly supported legislation that gay rights advocates believe will nullify local ordinances meant to protect gays and lesbians from discrimination.

Pauls will face Republican Dakota Bass, also from Hutchinson, in the November general election.

Monday, August 20, 2012

A conservative Democrat in the Kansas House is hoping a recount sought by her primary challenger confirms her narrow victory in their south-central Kansas district.

Rep. Jan Pauls, of Hutchinson, won the Aug. 7 primary in the 102nd House District by seven votes over challenger Erich Bishop, also of Hutchinson. The final tally in Pauls' favor was 427-420.

But Bishop asked the Reno County clerk's office to recount the ballots by hand, and it expected to finish the recount Monday.

Pauls' race was notable because gay rights advocates have targeted her for defeat, and Bishop has been active in the Kansas Equality Coalition, the state's leading gay-rights group.

The winner will face Republican Dakota Bass, also from Hutchinson, in the November general election.