Allen West Losing Even More Than He Was Before Recount

Patrick Murphy nets an additional 300 votes

The odds of Rep. Allen B. West (R-Fla.) prevailing in Florida's 18th District race grew longer Sunday when a recount of early ballots yielded Democratic opponent Patrick Murphy a net gain of nearly 300 votes, expanding his lead over the incumbent to more than 2,000 votes. 

A St. Lucie County recount resulted in Murphy gaining 274 votes, the Miami Herald reported. Murphy's campaign continued to claim victory, while West's campaign refused to  give in just yet, the paper also reported. But the Republican's options appear to be limited. His deficit is outside the automatic recount threshold, and time is running out.