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Emmer Won't Challenge Recount If Clear He Lost

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer says he won't go to court to challenge the results of the upcoming recount if it's clear he can't win.

Emmer made the comments in an interview published Thursday in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He told the newspaper Wednesday he doesn't want to put himself or others through a futile process.

Emmer is trailing Democrat Mark Dayton by 8,770 votes in results certified by the state canvassing board this week, a margin close enough to trigger an automatic recount that's scheduled to begin Monday.

Emmer says he hopes the recount produces an accurate tally so the canvassing board can declare a winner Dec. 14, as scheduled. He says he'd consider a court challenge if the recount uncovers enough irregularities to affect the outcome, but he won't if the recount doesn't.

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