Recount in Albert Lea mayoral race - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

ALBERT LEA, Minn. (FOX 47) -- Freeborn County Commissioner Keith Porter will move forward in taking on Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen.

With only a difference of four votes, one of the primary's closest races had a recount Friday.

John Severtson challenged Porter in the race. After losing 805 to 801, Severtson requested a recount.

"It was just the thing to do with a vote that close, no hard feelings," said Severtson.

Two election judges for each ward counted the ballots by hand at the Freeborn County Courthouse. It took a little more than 30 minutes before each ward confirmed the number for each of the candidates.

Severtson said he was disappointed that more people didn't show up to the polls for the primaries. But Severtson said regardless of the loss he will stick to future plans of helping transform Albert Lea.