Judge Denies Allen West Recount

West vows legal fight

A judge on Friday denied Rep. Allen West's request for a recount of more than 30,000 early votes — a blow to the Florida Republican's bid to overcome a 1,907-vote, or 0.58 percent, deficit in his race against Democrat Patrick Murphy.

Circuit Judge Dan Vaughn said he lacked the authority to order the recount, and the decision now heads to the canvassing board for St. Lucie County, which is set to meet at 4 p.m. Friday.

West's campaign has vowed a fierce legal fight if the canvassing board also turns down his request. Murphy's team is likewise girding for battle.