DesJarlais Claims Victory in District 4

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF-TV) – U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais has declared victory in the Republican primary for the 4th Congressional District.
But the actual vote count varied in the final hours—confusing the already "neck and neck" race.

Whichever way this race was to end up, the winner could be assured of one thing—half of the people didn’t vote for him.
DesJarlais spent election night in his hometown of South Pittsburg while State Senator Jim Tracy was at his headquarters in Murfreesboro.

Each had moments of jubilation.

Political pundits across the state doubted that Dr. Scott Desjarlais could hang onto his 4th district congressional seat.
For almost two years he has been the focus of charges, complaints and investigations concerning his relationship with former patients in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.
It resulted in the closest congressional ever in the 4th district.
But DesJarlais was undaunted.

REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS, THURSDAY NIGHT "We got information from the Secretary of State that they called this race and I’d like to thank our supporters and constituents in the 4th district for once again putting their trust in us and giving us a chance to be their representative."

The Associated Press vote totals actually varied throughout the day with Desjarlais ahead by 33 last night, then suddenly today challenger Jim Tracey was ahead by by 2 votes.
But the AP later admitted a snag in counting the votes and put DesJarlais back on top by 35 votes.
He formally claimed victory this afternoon.

State Senator Jim Tracy spoke to his supporters late last night and although he was not giving statements this afternoon his message remained the same.

SEN. JIM TRACY, CHALLENGER "We counted it…counted them ..Called the secretary of state’s office. We did all..my team did all the work on it and they said it was time to go..and I listen to them and they give me advice."

DesJarlais had a parting shot.

REP.SCOTT DESJARLAIS "He sold his soul to the dark side of politics and I don’t know if he’d be able to get that back..it’s a line he shouldn’t cross and he did and I’m disappointed in his integrity and his character."

Tracy says he will not decide whether to concede the race until results are finalized, a process that could take a few weeks.