Absentee, questioned ballots don't change primary results

ANCHORAGE (AP) -- Absentee and questioned ballots have sealed Anchorage Rep. Lisa Murkowski's narrow victory over political newcomer Nancy Dahlstrom.

The count Friday widened the lead of Murkowski, a top figure among moderate Republicans, from 21 to 56 votes over Dahlstrom, her conservative challenger in the primary Aug. 27.

Absentee ballots mailed from overseas are not expected to change the outcome. Murkowski is unopposed in the general election.

The tally Friday also gave media sales firm owner Steve Strait an apparent 16-vote win over business consultant Becky Gay. Strait led by two votes election night. He and Gay competed in a state House district in West Anchorage.

If that outcome stands, Strait will face Democratic incumbent Rep. Ethan Berkowitz and Libertarian Gordon Hartleib in November.

The count Friday also gave Denny Pearson of Sitka a six-vote lead over Rob Allen in the Democratic primary. The winner faces incumbent Rep. Peggy Wilson, R-Wrangell, in November.