PHILIPPI, W.Va. — After more than two weeks of waiting and wondering Philippi City Clerk Tammy Stemple said she can get on with the business of campaigning. The Democrat was declared the winner of the May 13 primary election in West Virginia’s 47th Delegate District following a recount Friday.
Stemple finished one vote ahead of Barbour County businessman Ken Auvil on election night, May 13, and then picked up two more votes in the recount. Auvil conceded Friday afternoon.
“I know you don’t take anything for granted. This proves the point that every vote counts,” explained Stemple.
She said both she and Auvil decided before the election they would run positive campaigns and they kept their word.
“We both worked very hard. He was a formidable opponent. He is a kind man and we agreed to be kind to each other,” she explained.
In fact, Stemple said Auvil plans to support her in the November election when she faces off against Republican Danny Wagner. She called it a relief to move forward.
“I’m just glad that this part of this process is finally official and we can move forward now and make plans to finish the job!”
It was the first recount in a Barbour County race in more than 30 years.
The 47th District is an open seat because Del. Mary Poling decided not to run again. The district is made up Barbour County and a portion of Tucker County.