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One-Vote Dispute Leads To Court Battle Over Worcester Co. Seat

When the rest of the House takes the oath of office Wednesday on Beacon Hill, at least one lawmaker will not be included.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo said he will wait for a court battle over a Worcester County seat to play out before swearing the winner in.

A recount shows Republican Peter Durant ahead by a single vote over incumbent Democratic Rep. Geraldo Alicea.

Alicea is challenging the result, saying election officials wrongly rejected an absentee ballot.

Durant says he thinks he won, but it's probably fair to wait for the court's ruling.

"We certainly have our concern about representation in the district," Durant said, "but I understand that it is close, it hasn't been certified, and is going to court."

A judge is expected to hear the case next week.

This program aired on January 4, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

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