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West, Murphy race still undecided

The race for a spot in the U.S. House of Representatives between incumbent Rep. Allen West (R) and Democrat Patrick Murphy remained too close to call Wednesday.

Murphy had declared victory shorty after 1 a.m., but Allen has yet to concede. Allen is requesting a recount, according to Politico. The two men are vying for a seat representing District 18, which covers areas of South Florida.

The Florida Department of State Division of Elections reports Murphy with 50.4 percent of the vote and West with 49.6 percent.

The Palm Beach Post said provisional and absentee ballots are yet to be counted, but Murpy's campaign manager said the outstanding ballots were not enough to change election results.

West joined the House in 2010, and was elected as part of the tea party wave.

Murphy has no prior political experience but previously served as vice president of Coastal Environmental Services, a construction group affiliate that specializes in environmental disaster repairs.

Kelsey Meany wrote this story for online.

Kelsey is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.