Kurita Beats Out Primary Challenger by 19 Votes

Senator Rosalind Kurita of Clarksville beat out her Democratic primary challenger by a mere 19 votes last night.

Kurita has felt some backlash since breaking with her party on several votes in the upper-chamber, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. One vote, in particular, helped Republican Ron Ramsey become Senate Speaker.

Kurita says she knew crossing the aisle would make re-election a bit tougher.

“I did what I knew was right for the people in my district. I knew I would pay the price. I was willing to pay that price. I did and I won.”

But not by much. Clarksville attorney Tim Barnes says he’s not looking to contest the election results, but he will ask for a recount.

“I feel obligated to verify these numbers because I owe it to these very hard-working volunteers.”

Barnes calls a recount “standard procedure” in such a close race.

Senator Kurita says she’s moving on, past the campaign, which took on a negative tone in recent weeks. She has no Republican challenger for the general election. The 12-year senator says job number one is tending to the health of the state’s economy.