EudoraNews.com

The Kansas House of Representatives 47th District race ended in a tie Tuesday night.

By midnight, Democratic primary contenders Bruce Hanson, Oskaloosa, and Lana Leach, Lawrence, had each received 348 votes.

Administrative assistant in the Kansas Secretary of State's Office Bryan Caskey said the winner of the race would probably be announced Friday.

"As of now, everything's still unofficial," Caskey said. "There are still provisional or challenged votes that will be counted on Friday."

He said those votes were ones being challenged by voters who went to the polls on election day and found something wrong with the voting process.

"It's a very common occurrence," he said, "so it's highly unlikely it will remain tied."

If it does remain tied, Caskey said he was unsure of the procedure that would be taken.

"I'd have to look at the law book to know what would happen next," he said.

The winner of the Democratic seat would face Republican Lee Tafanelli, Ozawkie, in November's general elections.

Because there hadn't been an obvious winner, Hanson said he didn't want to speak prematurely.

"I don't want to say anything before we know either way," he said.

Leach said she appreciated all of the support throughout her campaign.

"I feel really good about the vote I received in Eudora," she said.

Both candidates' platforms consisted of improving education and health care for elderly Kansas residents.

In a recent Eudora News interview, Leach said increased funding for education was an issue that needed to be addressed in Kansas.

"I want quality teachers and I want quality education too," she said.

Leach said she would also like to address elderly residents need for cheaper prescription medicines and affordable health insurance.

"Of course, I'm concerned with senior citizens, prescription drugs and the health issues there," she said.

In a recent interview, Hanson said one of his top priorities was providing affordable health insurance for the elderly.

"I get the feeling Kansas isn't planning well for this aging population's need," he said.

Improving quality education without going into debt was also one of the top issues Hanson thought concerned Kansas residents.

"I'd like to see public schools be better," he said. "I don't want debt. If you can't buy something, buy it later."